When Ishmael heard of the first attack what did he experience?

When Ishmael first heard of the attack he didn't believe it. He didn't think it was possible that his home had been attacked by the rebels.

The day seemed oddly normal. The sun peacefully sailed through the white clouds, birds sang from treetops, the trees danced to the quiet wind. I still couldn’t believe that the war had actually reached our home. It is impossible, I thought. When we left home the day before, there had been no indication the rebels were anywhere near.