“Maria, Carla—get life jackets, blankets, and water ready so we can care for the rescued! Sergio and I will coordinate everything—we’ll be reachable at all times. Anyone who can help should report to Sergio!” She paused, just for a heartbeat. Surely she was forgetting something vital. A few exhausted Africans sat slumped on the shore. They were utterly spent; some prayed in relief for having reached land. This stretch of sea was treacherous, with harsh currents and razor-edged cliffs. It was difficult to enter or leave the water here. The cuts on their bodies needed tending. She called out to Theresa, the doctor: could she assemble a team for emergency treatment? Never before had their quiet little island witnessed such a catastrophe. Already, the first bodies were being washed ashore. Oh God—so many children! I can’t bear it! She forced herself to hold steady, but she knew already: these images would haunt her for the rest of her life. And the EU had cut back sea rescue missions—meaning that in the worst case, more and more boats would run aground here. She clenched her fists in anger. She had read that a new Mediterranean route was shifting across her island. In recent weeks, boats had arrived sporadically, but in the past two weeks the tide of refugees had not stopped. Filiz Dogan, German Psychoanalytical Association; Karl Abraham Institute Berlin Everyone rushed over quickly, wanting to see what had happened. They pushed their way to the front, wanting to be in the front row to get a good view. I sat on my balcony and looked down. I had been watching the two of them for quite a while as they stood on the street, shouting at each other. The woman with long dark curls, tanned in her summery top and colorful skirt. The man in an undershirt and jeans. They were arguing in a language I didn't understand, but I thought the woman was right. I thought she had every reason to be angry with the man, but he didn't see it that way. He felt he was being “accused” unfairly. He hadn't done anything wrong. On the contrary, he was doing so much, but she didn't notice. Suddenly, the woman struck and the man let out a very loud scream. That was the moment when others took notice. There was a bus stop nearby where many people were waiting for the next bus. They rushed over, wanting to see what was going on. The woman continued to hit the man, who tried to protect his head. I jumped up from my chair and stood on the balcony, a lump in my stomach, but also somehow fascinated, as if I were watching a movie.
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