1983 Lebanon
Five families huddled in the basement of an eight- floor apartment building. Adults were scared, silently praying while children were crying. Sitting next to her older sister, a 23 year old Filipina stood abruptly and made her way at the center of the group, climbed up on a table and started to sing. Her voice penetrated the room, trying her best to conceal the noise in and outside. Then the children stopped crying. Everyone were all eyes on her, this made her sing louder and at the end of "Never,never!" applause was heard all over the room. In that instant the bombing was forgotten,the war that was ravaging the country seemed far-away.
No, her singing didn't create a miracle in Lebanon but somehow this lady managed to prevent the fear that was hovering in that basement cloud everyone's strength and spirit even for a day.
As the applause faded, she stepped down and smiled, thankful that her trembling knees didn't give her away.
Elsa is now working as a secretary in Hôpital de Beau-Séjour in Switzerland and still sings her fave song-"Never,never!"
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