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baghdad Kamro

8th Apr 2025

Layan and the City of Masks

In the noisy city, people move like shadows. Layan, a girl with big dreams, often felt invisible. "What do you want to be?" her friend asked. "I dream of colors and laughter," Layan whispered, but she didn't feel free. Every day she visited a café, watching people with different faces and stories. One day, a girl named Ruba sat down. "You look lost!" she smiled brightly. Layan, surprised, replied, "I’m just looking for my way." They talked, and Ruba invited her to join a group that promised fun and joy, but Layan felt a little scared inside. Could she trust Ruba?

A busy city street filled with people, with cafes and bright lights, Layan, a young girl, sitting alone at a table by the window, looking lost but curious, digital art, vibrant colors, lively atmosphere, whimsical

The days passed, and Layan visited the group often, where every face looked happy. But something felt strange. Some girls changed. They smiled less and laughed differently. Late one evening, she saw Ruba looking hollow, her eyes vacant. “It's time to release your soul!” Ruba cried, but Layan felt a chill. Just then, a stranger in a raincoat grabbed her arm. “Don’t go back there!” he warned. Layan’s heart raced. Why had she trusted Ruba? But she also knew something else she had to find her own light and strength to fight back.

Layan, a young girl with long dark hair, looking at her friend Ruba, who has fiery red hair and a big smile, sitting at the café table, cozy indoor lighting, happy and inviting, warm colors