["\u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0snorted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pinch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0snuff.\t \u00a0Stretched\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs.\t \u00a0\\\"What'll\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 eight\t \u00a0cylinders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0carburetor.\\\"\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0silenced\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0God.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0later\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0discovered\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0 hiding\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shocking\t \u00a0enough,\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0 Kamal\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0basement\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0withered-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0simply\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0hollow\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0recognition\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0registered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0hunched\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0sagged\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cling\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bone\t \u00a0beneath.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0 father,\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0movie\t \u00a0theater\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0how,\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 months\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stray\t \u00a0bullet\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0temple\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Kamal.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0snippets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it:\t \u00a0Should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0alone...\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0handsome,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know...\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them...\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fight...\t \u00a0 God...\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0him...\t \u00a0bleeding\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0there...\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants...\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0more...\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 stares...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THERE\t \u00a0WOULD\t \u00a0BE\t \u00a0NO\t \u00a0TRUCK,\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rat-\u00ad\u2010 infested\t \u00a0basement.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0beyond\t \u00a0repair.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0option,\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0rising\t \u00a0amid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0groans.\t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0cousin\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fuel\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0smuggled\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0times.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Everyone\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elderly\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0others.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0cousin,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0square-\u00ad\u2010faced\t \u00a0balding\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Aziz,\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fuel\t \u00a0 tank.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0mounted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0idling\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0deck,\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0 access\t \u00a0ladder,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tank.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0halfway\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0ladder,\t \u00a0hopped\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fished\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snuffbox\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 emptied\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0unpaved\t \u00a0","road.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt.\t \u00a0Poured\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box.\t \u00a0Stowed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breast\t \u00a0 pocket,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0heart.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 PANIC.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 You\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0Open\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0wide\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0creak.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0order\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 lungs\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0air,\t \u00a0NOW,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0air,\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0NOW\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0airways\t \u00a0ignore\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0collapse,\t \u00a0tighten,\t \u00a0squeeze,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0breathing\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 drinking\t \u00a0straw.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0closes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0purse\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0strangled\t \u00a0croak.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0wriggle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shake.\t \u00a0Somewhere\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dam\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0cracked\t \u00a0 open\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flood\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0spills,\t \u00a0drenches\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0body.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0scream.\t \u00a0 You\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0breathe\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0scream.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Panic.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0basement\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0dark.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0fuel\t \u00a0tank\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pitch-\u00ad\u2010black.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0 right,\t \u00a0left,\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 hint\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0movement.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0blinked,\t \u00a0blinked\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0Nothing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0thick,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0solid.\t \u00a0Air\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0solid.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0reach\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0crush\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0pieces,\t \u00a0stuff\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0windpipe.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0stench\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gasoline.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0stung\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fumes,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0peeled\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0lids\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lemon\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0nose\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0 You\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0die\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0scream\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0coming.\t \u00a0Coming,\t \u00a0 coming...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0miracle.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0tugged\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sleeve\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 glowed\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark.\t \u00a0Light!\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0wristwatch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0glued\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0 fluorescent\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0lose\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0dare\t \u00a0blink.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Slowly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0aware\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0surroundings.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0groans\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0muttered\t \u00a0 prayers.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0cry,\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0muted\t \u00a0soothing.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0retched.\t \u00a0 Someone\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0cursed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0bounced\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0 Heads\t \u00a0banged\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0metal.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0good,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ear.\t \u00a0\\\"Something\t \u00a0happy.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Something\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0happy.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0wander.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0come:\t \u00a0 Friday\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Paghman.\t \u00a0An\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0speckled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0mulberry\t \u00a0 trees\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0blossom.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0ankle-\u00ad\u2010deep\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0untamed\t \u00a0grass,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0tugging\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0line,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool\t \u00a0spinning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0calloused\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0passes\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010that's\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0 people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other's\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0memories,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 breast.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0stirs\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0lets\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool\t \u00a0roll.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0spins,\t \u00a0dips,\t \u00a0 steadies.\t \u00a0Our\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0dance\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rippling\t \u00a0grass.\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0somewhere\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0brick\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0field,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0chatter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0chirping\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0fountain.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0music,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0familiar,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0 it's\t \u00a0Ya\t \u00a0Mowlah\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0rubab\t \u00a0strings.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0calls\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0names\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 time\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cake.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0even.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0memory\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0perfectly\t \u00a0encapsulated\t \u00a0morsel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0past,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 brushstroke\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gray,\t \u00a0barren\t \u00a0canvas\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0lives\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0REST\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0THAT\t \u00a0RIDE\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0scattered\t \u00a0bits\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pieces\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0memory\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 go,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0sounds\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smells:\t \u00a0MiGs\t \u00a0roaring\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0overhead;\t \u00a0staccatos\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 gunfire;\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0donkey\t \u00a0braying\t \u00a0nearby;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jingling\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0mewling\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sheep;\t \u00a0 gravel\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0tires;\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0wailing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stench\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 gasoline,\t \u00a0vomit,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shit.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 What\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blinding\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fuel\t \u00a0tank.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky,\t \u00a0squinting,\t \u00a0 breathing\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0air.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rocky\t \u00a0trench,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 gray\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0sky,\t \u00a0thankful\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0air,\t \u00a0thankful\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0light,\t \u00a0thankful\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0alive.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We're\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Karim\t \u00a0 says\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0dirt,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0suitcases\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 either\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0Through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0upside\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0V\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 truck\t \u00a0idling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0refugees\t \u00a0climbing\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0 ladder.\t \u00a0Beyond\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0unrolled\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0fields\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0leaden\t \u00a0 sheets\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0disappeared\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bowl-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0hills.\t \u00a0 Along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0village\t \u00a0strung\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0atop\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0baked\t \u00a0slope.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0suitcases.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0sad\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0 everything\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0built,\t \u00a0planned,\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0for,\t \u00a0fretted\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0dreamed\t \u00a0of,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 summation\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0life:\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0disappointing\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0suitcases.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Someone\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0No,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0Wailing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passengers\t \u00a0 huddled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0circle,\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0urgent\t \u00a0voices.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0\\\"fumes.\\\"\t \u00a0 Someone\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wail\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0throat-\u00ad\u2010ripping\t \u00a0screech.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0onlookers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pushed\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 them.\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0cross-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0center\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0circle,\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth,\t \u00a0kissing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son's\t \u00a0ashen\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0breathe!\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0breathe!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crying.\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0lifeless\t \u00a0 body\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0lap.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0uncurled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0limp,\t \u00a0bounced\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 rhythm\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0sobs.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0boy!\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0breathe!\t \u00a0Allah,\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0breathe!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0knelt\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0curled\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 Kamal's\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0shoved\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lunged\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0nearby\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cousin.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0fast\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 scuffle.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0uttered\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0surprised\t \u00a0cry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0backpedaled.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0swing,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0 kick.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Karim's\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0me!\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0cried.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0shoved\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 barrel\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0echo\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0blast.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flash\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 light\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spray\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0doubled\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dry-\u00ad\u2010heaved\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ELEVEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Fremont,\t \u00a0California.\t \u00a01980s\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0ulcer.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Lake\t \u00a0Elizabeth\t \u00a0Park\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Fremont,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0apartment,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0batting\t \u00a0 practice,\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0girls\t \u00a0giggling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0swings\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0playground.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 enlighten\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0politics\t \u00a0during\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0walks\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0long-\u00ad\u2010winded\t \u00a0 dissertations.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0 count\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers:\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brash\t \u00a0savior,\t \u00a0Britain,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Israel.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0 rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0phht\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0\\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010they're\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 gossiping\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0women.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Israel\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ire\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 accused\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0pro-\u00ad\u2010Jewish\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0de\t \u00a0facto,\t \u00a0anti\t \u00a0Islam.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rowt\t \u00a0cake\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0park,\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0crazy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0politics.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 don't\t \u00a0understand,\\\"\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0\\\"is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0religion\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0view,\t \u00a0Israel\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0island\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0\\\"real\t \u00a0men\\\"\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sea\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Arabs\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0 getting\t \u00a0fat\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0oil\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0own.\t \u00a0\\\"Israel\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0Israel\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mock-\u00ad\u2010Arabic\t \u00a0accent.\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it!\t \u00a0Take\t \u00a0 action.\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0Arabs,\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Palestinians,\t \u00a0then!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0loathed\t \u00a0Jimmy\t \u00a0Carter,\t \u00a0whom\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0\\\"big-\u00ad\u2010toothed\t \u00a0cretin.\\\"\t \u00a0In\t \u00a01980,\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.\t \u00a0announced\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0boycotting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Olympic\t \u00a0Games\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Moscow.\t \u00a0\\\"Wah\t \u00a0wah!\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0exclaimed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0disgust.\t \u00a0\\\"Brezhnev\t \u00a0 is\t \u00a0massacring\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0peanut\t \u00a0eater\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0swim\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0pool.\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0Carter\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0unwittingly\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0communism\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0Leonid\t \u00a0Brezhnev.\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0country.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0putting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 can't\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bike\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brand\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0Cadillac.\\\"\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0reckoned\t \u00a0with,\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0","took\t \u00a0action\t \u00a0instead\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wringing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0form\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Ronald\t \u00a0Reagan.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Reagan\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi\t \u00a0\\\"the\t \u00a0Evil\t \u00a0 Empire,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grinning\t \u00a0president\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 thumbs\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0framed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0hallway,\t \u00a0nailing\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0black-\u00ad\u2010and-\u00ad\u2010white\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0necktie\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0King\t \u00a0 Zahir\t \u00a0Shah.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0neighbors\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0drivers,\t \u00a0policemen,\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0 station\t \u00a0attendants,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0unwed\t \u00a0mothers\t \u00a0collecting\t \u00a0welfare,\t \u00a0exactly\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 blue-\u00ad\u2010collar\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0suffocate\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pillow\t \u00a0Reaganomics\t \u00a0 pressed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0faces.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lone\t \u00a0Republican\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0building.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Bay\t \u00a0Area's\t \u00a0smog\t \u00a0stung\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0traffic\t \u00a0noise\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 headaches,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pollen\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0cough.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0sweet\t \u00a0enough,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0enough,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0fields?\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0enroll\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0ESL\t \u00a0classes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0improve\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0 English.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0scoffed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0idea.\t \u00a0\\\"Maybe\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0spell\t \u00a0'cat'\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glittery\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0star\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0grumble.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0of\t \u00a01983,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0bookstore\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 sold\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0paperbacks,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Indian\t \u00a0movie\t \u00a0theater\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0 Amtrak\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0Boulevard.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 shrugged.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0working\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0off.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 watched\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0jaywalk\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0Boulevard\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0enter\t \u00a0Fast\t \u00a0&\t \u00a0Easy,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 grocery\t \u00a0store\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elderly\t \u00a0Vietnamese\t \u00a0couple,\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Nguyen.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0gray-\u00ad\u2010haired,\t \u00a0friendly\t \u00a0people;\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0Parkinson's,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hip\t \u00a0replaced.\t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Six\t \u00a0Million\t \u00a0Dollar\t \u00a0Man\t \u00a0now,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0 toothlessly.\t \u00a0\\\"Remember\t \u00a0Six\t \u00a0Million\t \u00a0Dollar\t \u00a0Man,\t \u00a0Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 scowl\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Lee\t \u00a0Majors,\t \u00a0pretend\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0slow\t \u00a0motion.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0flipping\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0copy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Mike\t \u00a0Hammer\t \u00a0mystery\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 heard\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0breaking.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 street.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Nguyens\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counter,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0 ashen,\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen's\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor:\t \u00a0oranges,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 overturned\t \u00a0magazine\t \u00a0rack,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0jar\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0beef\t \u00a0jerky,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shards\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0cash\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oranges.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0 written\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0check\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0ID.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 see\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0license,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0bellowed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Farsi.\t \u00a0\\\"Almost\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0we've\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 damn\t \u00a0fruits\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dog\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 license!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Baba,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0personal,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Nguyens.\t \u00a0\\\"They're\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0ID.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0stepping\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cane.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0nice\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0crazy.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0welcome\t \u00a0 anymore.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Does\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thief?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0rising.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 gathered\t \u00a0outside.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0staring.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0this?\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 trusts\t \u00a0anybody!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0police,\\\"\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0poking\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0 police.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please,\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Nguyen,\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0police.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 call\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0police,\t \u00a0okay?\t \u00a0Please?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0Good\t \u00a0idea,\\\"\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0wire-\u00ad\u2010rimmed\t \u00a0bifocals,\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doors.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 kicked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0magazine\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0promise\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0store\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0apologized\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Nguyens.\t \u00a0Told\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0telephone\t \u00a0 number\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0address,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0estimate\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0damages.\t \u00a0\\\"Please\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0everything,\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Nguyen.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0sorry.\\\"\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0 Nguyen\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheet\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 shaking\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0usual,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0angry\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0causing\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shake\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0adjusting\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 explanation.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0snapped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0branch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0credit\t \u00a0card.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0stick\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bread\t \u00a0maker.\t \u00a0 He'd\t \u00a0carve\t \u00a0notches\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0stick\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knife,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0notch\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0loaf\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_naan_\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tandoor's\t \u00a0roaring\t \u00a0flames.\t \u00a0At\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0month,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0","father\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0number\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0notches\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stick.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0questions.\t \u00a0 No\t \u00a0ID.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Nguyen\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cops.\t \u00a0Took\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0sulked\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smoked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balcony\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0rice\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0chicken\t \u00a0 neck\t \u00a0stew.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Boeing\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0adjusting.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0bites,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0pushed\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0plate.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nails\t \u00a0chipped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0 oil,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knuckles\t \u00a0scraped,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smells\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010dust,\t \u00a0sweat,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gasoline-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0clothes.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0widower\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0remarries\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 dead\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0missed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sugarcane\t \u00a0fields\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gardens\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Paghman.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0missed\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0milling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0missed\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bustling\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Shor\t \u00a0Bazaar\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0greeting\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grandfather,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0shared\t \u00a0ancestors\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0 pasts\t \u00a0intertwined\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bury\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0memories.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0mourn\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ice\t \u00a0float\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 issue\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0visas.\t \u00a0Our\t \u00a0grimy\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010bedroom\t \u00a0apartment\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0dirty\t \u00a0socks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 cat\t \u00a0droppings,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0surrounded\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0knew-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 knew.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0invite\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0corridor\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0neighbors\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dinner,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 Afghans\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0visas.\t \u00a0Inevitably,\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tabla\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 someone\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0harmonium.\t \u00a0Tea\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0brew,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0 voice\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0sing\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0rose,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosquitoes\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0buzzing,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 clapping\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0sore.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0happier\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0home,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Peshawar\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0now,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0meaning\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0 manager\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0winced\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wrists\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0damp\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0erupted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 bottle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0antacids\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0meals.\t \u00a0\\\"Besides,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0I?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0student\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0soft,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0laborer's\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0grubby\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0calloused.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trucks,\t \u00a0 train\t \u00a0sets,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bikes\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0gift\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Amir.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Just\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0arrived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0 Washington\t \u00a0Boulevard\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0assistant\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 acquaintance-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he'd\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0arrived.\t \u00a0Six\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0week,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0twelve-\u00ad\u2010hour\t \u00a0shifts\t \u00a0pumping\t \u00a0gas,\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0register,\t \u00a0 changing\t \u00a0oil,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0washing\t \u00a0windshields.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0lunch\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cigarettes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shelves,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0customer\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oil-\u00ad\u2010stained\t \u00a0counter,\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0drawn\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pale\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bright\t \u00a0 fluorescent\t \u00a0lights.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0electronic\t \u00a0bell\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0ding-\u00ad\u2010dong\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0wave,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 watering\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0fatigue.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hired,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0eligibility\t \u00a0officer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 San\t \u00a0Jose,\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Dobbins.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0overweight\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0twinkling\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dimpled\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0She'd\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0sang\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0church,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0 her-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0milk\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0honey.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0stack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0stamps\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 work\t \u00a0always.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0work,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0work.\t \u00a0Thank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0much,\t \u00a0 Mrs.\t \u00a0Dobbins,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0money.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Mrs.\t \u00a0Dobbins\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0Picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0stamps,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0prank,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0\\\"slipping\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trick\\\"\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0 \\\"Fifteen\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0doin'\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nobody's\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0this,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0humiliating\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0stamp\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cash\t \u00a0 register\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0alleviated\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0greatest\t \u00a0fears:\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 buying\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0charity\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0welfare\t \u00a0office\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0 cured\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tumor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 THAT\t \u00a0SUMMER\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a01983,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0graduated\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0age\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0twenty,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0 far\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oldest\t \u00a0senior\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mortarboard\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0football\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0losing\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0swarm\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0families,\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0cameras,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0 gowns.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0twenty-\u00ad\u2010yard\t \u00a0line,\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0shoved\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pockets,\t \u00a0 camera\t \u00a0dangling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0disappeared\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0reappeared\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0 moving\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us:\t \u00a0squealing\t \u00a0blue-\u00ad\u2010clad\t \u00a0girls\t \u00a0hugging,\t \u00a0crying,\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0high-\u00ad\u2010fiving\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0fathers,\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0graying,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0thinning\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 temples,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0taller\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul?\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0suit-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010his\t \u00a0 only\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0weddings\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0funerals-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0tie\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fiftieth\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0year.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waved.\t \u00a0 Smiled.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0motioned\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wear\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mortarboard,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0school's\t \u00a0clock\t \u00a0tower\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0background.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0curled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neck,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0kiss.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0Moftakhir,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Proud.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 gleamed\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0receiving\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0look.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0kabob\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hayward\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ordered\t \u00a0 far\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0food.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0owner\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0college\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fall.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0debated\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0briefly\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0graduation,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job.\t \u00a0Help\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0college\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0following\t \u00a0year.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0smoldering\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0looks,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 vaporized\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tongue.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 After\t \u00a0dinner,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bar\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0restaurant.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dim,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0acrid\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0beer\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0disliked\t \u00a0permeated\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 walls.\t \u00a0Men\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0baseball\t \u00a0caps\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tank\t \u00a0tops\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0pool,\t \u00a0clouds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0smoke\t \u00a0 hovering\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0tables,\t \u00a0swirling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fluorescent\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0looks,\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0pleated\t \u00a0slacks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sports\t \u00a0jacket.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bar,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leathery\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0sickly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0glow\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Michelob\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0overhead.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ordered\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0beers.\t \u00a0\\\"Tonight\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0 too\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0happy,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0announced\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everyone.\t \u00a0\\\"Tonight\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drinking\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0please,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friend,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0patting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 back.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0tipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0finished\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0gulps\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ordered\t \u00a0another.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forced\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0quarter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0By\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0scotch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0treated\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0foursome\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pool\t \u00a0players\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pitcher\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Budweiser.\t \u00a0 Men\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0clapped\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0drank\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0 lit\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0loosened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tie\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0quarters.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jukebox.\t \u00a0\\\"Tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0songs,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0salute.\t \u00a0Soon,\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0blaring,\t \u00a0 and,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0party.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 At\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0point,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0stood,\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beer,\t \u00a0spilling\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sawdust\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0yelled,\t \u00a0\\\"Fuck\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russia!\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bar's\t \u00a0laughter,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0full-\u00ad\u2010throated\t \u00a0echo\t \u00a0 followed.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pitchers\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0everyone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0left,\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sad\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0Hayward.\t \u00a0 Same\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0old,\t \u00a0ochre\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0Buick\t \u00a0Century.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0dozed\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0snoring\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0jackhammer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0tobacco\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0alcohol,\t \u00a0 sweet\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pungent.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hoarse\t \u00a0 voice,\t \u00a0\\\"Keep\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0block.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why,\t \u00a0Baba?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Just\t \u00a0go.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0park\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 coat\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0keys.\t \u00a0\\\"There,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0model\t \u00a0Ford,\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wide,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0 discern\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moon\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0needs\t \u00a0painting,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guys\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 station\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0shocks,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0runs.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0keys,\t \u00a0stunned.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You'll\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0college,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0Squeezed\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0tearing\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 glad\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hid\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0faces.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ford.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Grand\t \u00a0Torino.\t \u00a0Navy\t \u00a0blue,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0block,\t \u00a0testing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brakes,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0radio,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0signals.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 parked\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0apartment\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0engine.\t \u00a0\\\"Tashakor,\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0touched\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0act\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 kindness,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0appreciated\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 doing.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0embarrass\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Tashakor,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0repeated\t \u00a0instead.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0headrest,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0 touching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ceiling.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark,\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 tink-\u00ad\u2010tink\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0cooling,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wail\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0siren\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0distance.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 rolled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0today,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0windpipe\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0 name.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0Waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0loosen\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0grip.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0WOULD\t \u00a0ENROLL\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0junior\t \u00a0college\t \u00a0classes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fall,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 graduation.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0drinking\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0chewing\t \u00a0cardamom\t \u00a0seeds,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 personal\t \u00a0trusted\t \u00a0antidote\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0hang\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0headaches.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0major\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0winced\t \u00a0inside,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0reply.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"English?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Creative\t \u00a0writing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0considered\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0Sipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0\\\"Stories,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean.\t \u00a0You'll\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 stories.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0stories?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"If\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0good,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0discovered.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0likely\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0discovered?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0happens,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0 discovered?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0earn\t \u00a0money?\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0marry,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0support\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 khanum?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0lift\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll...\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Wah\t \u00a0wah!\t \u00a0So,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understand,\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0study\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 earn\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0degree,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chatti\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0mine,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0easily\t \u00a0 land\t \u00a0today,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0degree\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0someday\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0get...\t \u00a0 discovered.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0Grunted\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 medical\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0law\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0\\\"real\t \u00a0work.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0burned\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0coursed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0indulging\t \u00a0 myself\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0expense\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ulcer,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0fingernails\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0aching\t \u00a0wrists.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ground,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0decided.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sacrifice\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0anymore.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0damned\t \u00a0myself.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cardamom\t \u00a0seeds\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SOMETIMES,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0GOT\t \u00a0BEHIND\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0Ford,\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windows,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 drove\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0hours,\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0East\t \u00a0Bay\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0South\t \u00a0Bay,\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Peninsula\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 drove\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grids\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cottonwood-\u00ad\u2010lined\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0 neighborhood,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0shaken\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0kings\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 shabby,\t \u00a0flat\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0barred\t \u00a0windows,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0cars\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0 dripped\t \u00a0oil\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0blacktop\t \u00a0driveways.\t \u00a0Pencil\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0chain-\u00ad\u2010link\t \u00a0fences\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 backyards\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0neighborhood.\t \u00a0Toys,\t \u00a0bald\t \u00a0tires,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0beer\t \u00a0bottles\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0peeling\t \u00a0 labels\t \u00a0littered\t \u00a0unkempt\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0lawns.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0tree-\u00ad\u2010shaded\t \u00a0parks\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0bark,\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0strip\t \u00a0malls\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0simultaneous\t \u00a0Buzkashi\t \u00a0 tournaments.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Torino\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hills\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Los\t \u00a0Altos,\t \u00a0idling\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0estates\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 picture\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0lions\t \u00a0guarding\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wrought-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0gates,\t \u00a0homes\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 cherub\t \u00a0fountains\t \u00a0lining\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0manicured\t \u00a0walkways\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0Torinos\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 drive\t \u00a0ways.\t \u00a0Homes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 servant's\t \u00a0hut.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0Saturday\t \u00a0mornings\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Highway\t \u00a017,\t \u00a0 push\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winding\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mountains\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Santa\t \u00a0Cruz.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 park\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0lighthouse\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0for\t 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\u00a0entire\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 San\t \u00a0Jose\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Used\t \u00a0Goods\t \u00a0section.\t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unspoken\t \u00a0code\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0behavior\t \u00a0among\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market:\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0 greeted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisle,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0invited\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bite\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0potato\t \u00a0bolani\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0qabuli,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0chatted.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0tassali,\t \u00a0condolences,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0death\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 parent,\t \u00a0congratulated\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0children,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0mournfully\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0conversation\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Roussis-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010which\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 inevitably\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0avoided\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0topic\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Saturday.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0isle\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0blindsided\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0freeway\t \u00a0 exit\t \u00a0yesterday\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0order\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0promising\t \u00a0garage\t \u00a0sale.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0flowed\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 gossip.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0sipped\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0almond\t \u00a0kolchas,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0engagement\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 American\t \u00a0boyfriend,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0Parchami-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0communist-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0under-\u00ad\u2010the-\u00ad\u2010table\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0welfare.\t \u00a0Tea,\t \u00a0 Politics,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Scandal,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ingredients\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0sauntered\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisle,\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0 respectfully\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0greeting\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Kabul:\t \u00a0 mechanics\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tailors\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0hand-\u00ad\u2010me-\u00ad\u2010down\t \u00a0wool\t \u00a0coats\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scraped\t \u00a0bicycle\t \u00a0","helmets,\t \u00a0alongside\t \u00a0former\t \u00a0ambassadors,\t \u00a0out-\u00ad\u2010of-\u00ad\u2010work\t \u00a0surgeons,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0university\t \u00a0 professors.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0July\t \u00a01984,\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 cups\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0coffee\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0concession\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 older,\t \u00a0distinguished-\u00ad\u2010looking\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cups\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0bumper\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus,\t \u00a0 next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0REAGAN\/BUSH\t \u00a0FOR\t \u00a0'84\t \u00a0sticker.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0motioning\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0\\\"this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Iqbal\t \u00a0 Taheri.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0decorated\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ministry\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Defense.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Taheri.\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0familiar?\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0 used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0attending\t \u00a0formal\t \u00a0parties\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0cue\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0minor\t \u00a0jokes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 important\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wispy\t \u00a0silver-\u00ad\u2010gray\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0combed\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0smooth,\t \u00a0 tanned\t \u00a0forehead,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tufts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bushy\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0brows.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 cologne\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0iron-\u00ad\u2010gray\t \u00a0three-\u00ad\u2010piece\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0shiny\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0pressings;\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0chain\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0dangled\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0vest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lofty\t \u00a0introduction,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cultured.\t \u00a0\\\"_Salaam,\t \u00a0 bachem_.\\\"\t \u00a0Hello,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0child.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"_Salaam,\t \u00a0_General\t \u00a0Sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0belied\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 firm\t \u00a0grip,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0hid\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moisturized\t \u00a0skin.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0writer,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0double\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0finished\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0college\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0earned\t \u00a0A's\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0courses.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Junior\t \u00a0college,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0corrected\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"_Mashallah_,\\\"\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0writing\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 country,\t \u00a0history\t \u00a0perhaps?\t \u00a0Economics?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0fiction,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 written\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010bound\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0 why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0presence.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Ah,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0storyteller,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Well,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0divert\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Speaking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stories,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hunted\t \u00a0pheasant\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 summer\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0marvelous\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0recall\t \u00a0correctly,\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0proved\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0keen\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hunt\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0business.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0tennis\t \u00a0racket\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0tarpaulin\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0toe\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0boot.\t \u00a0\\\"Some\t \u00a0business.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0simultaneously\t \u00a0sad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0polite\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0heaved\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 sigh,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gently\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0\\\"Zendagi\t \u00a0migzara,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Life\t \u00a0goes\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0prone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0considerable\t \u00a0degree\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 exaggeration,\t \u00a0bachem,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0foolishly\t \u00a0labeled\t \u00a0great.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0distinction\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0belonging\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0minority\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0truly\t \u00a0deserves\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0label.\\\"\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0speech\t \u00a0sounded\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0looked:\t \u00a0often\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0unnaturally\t \u00a0shiny.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0flattering\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0not,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0tilting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0sideways\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pressing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0convey\t \u00a0humility.\t \u00a0\\\"Boys\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0girls\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0legacy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0fathers.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0appreciate\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0bachem?\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 really\t \u00a0appreciate\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Balay,\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0wishing\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0\\\"my\t \u00a0child.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0congratulations,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0halfway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0trace\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0humor,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0irony,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0compliment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0casually\t \u00a0arrogant.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Padar\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0forgot\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0tea.\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 standing\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slim-\u00ad\u2010hipped\t \u00a0beauty\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0velvety\t \u00a0coal\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0 thermos\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Styrofoam\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0blinked,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0quickening.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 thick\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0eyebrows\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0touched\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arched\t \u00a0wings\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flying\t \u00a0 bird,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gracefully\t \u00a0hooked\t \u00a0nose\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0princess\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Persia-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010maybe\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0","Tahmineh,\t \u00a0Rostam's\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0_Shahnamah_.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0 walnut\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shaded\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0fanned\t \u00a0lashes,\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0Held\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment.\t \u00a0Flew\t \u00a0 away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0kind,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0dear,\\\"\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 Before\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown,\t \u00a0sickle-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0birthmark\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 smooth\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0jawline.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dull\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0van\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0 away\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thermos\t \u00a0inside.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0kneeled\t \u00a0 amid\t \u00a0boxes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0records\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0paperbacks.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0daughter,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0eager\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0subject\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0\\\"Well,\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0up.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cheek\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 both\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0\\\"Best\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0luck\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0writing,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0pale\t \u00a0 blue\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0revealed\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thoughts\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0urge\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0van.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0CAME\t \u00a0TO\t \u00a0ME\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0Taheri,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Wasn't\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0floating\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0daughter?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0casual.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0inching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0queue\t \u00a0exiting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0 market.\t \u00a0\\\"Talk\t \u00a0turns\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0gossip\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0away.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0there?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ask?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0coyly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0shrugged\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0curious,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Really?\t \u00a0Is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0all?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0playful,\t \u00a0lingering\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0\\\"Has\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0impression\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0\\\"Please,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0smiled,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0swung\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0headed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Highway\t \u00a0680.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while.\t \u00a0\\\"All\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0things...\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0well.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0gravely,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0disclosed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0breast\t \u00a0cancer.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0decent\t \u00a0girl,\t \u00a0hardworking\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kind.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0khastegars,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 suitors,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0since.\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 unfair,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0happens\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0course\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0lifetime,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 LYING\t \u00a0AWAKE\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0BED\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0sickle-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0 birthmark,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0gently\t \u00a0hooked\t \u00a0nose,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0luminous\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fleetingly\t \u00a0 held\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0stuttered\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0Swap\t \u00a0 Meet\t \u00a0Princess.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWELVE\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0_yelda_\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_Jadi_,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 winter,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0longest\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tradition,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0late,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0tucked\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kursi,\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0stove\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0ancient\t \u00a0tales\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sultans\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thieves\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0longest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 nights.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lore\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_yelda_,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0bedeviled\t \u00a0moths\t \u00a0","flung\t \u00a0themselves\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0candle\t \u00a0flames,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wolves\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0mountains\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sun.\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0swore\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0melon\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_yelda_,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0 thirsty\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0summer.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0older,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0poetry\t \u00a0books\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0_yelda_\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0starless\t \u00a0 night\t \u00a0tormented\t \u00a0lovers\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0vigil,\t \u00a0enduring\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0endless\t \u00a0dark,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0rise\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0_yelda_\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0mornings\t \u00a0came,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 bed,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0brown-\u00ad\u2010eyed\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0bus,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 counted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0barefoot,\t \u00a0arranging\t \u00a0cardboard\t \u00a0boxes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 yellowed\t \u00a0encyclopedias,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0heels\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0asphalt,\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0bracelets\t \u00a0 jingling\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0slender\t \u00a0wrists.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shadow\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0cast\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 ground\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0velvet\t \u00a0curtain.\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0 Swap\t \u00a0Meet\t \u00a0Princess.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0yelda.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0invented\t \u00a0excuses\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stroll\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisle-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010which\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0acknowledged\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0playful\t \u00a0smirk-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0stand.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general,\t \u00a0 perpetually\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shiny\t \u00a0over-\u00ad\u2010pressed\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 Sometimes\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0director's\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0writing,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0war,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day's\t \u00a0bargains.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0peel\t \u00a0 away,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wander\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paperback.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0good-\u00ad\u2010byes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0try\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0slouch\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sometimes\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0alone,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0socialize,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0by,\t \u00a0pretending\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0her,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0dying\t \u00a0to.\t \u00a0Sometimes\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0portly\t \u00a0middle-\u00ad\u2010aged\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pale\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dyed\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 promised\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 schools\t \u00a0reopened,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leaves\t \u00a0reddened,\t \u00a0yellowed,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fell,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0 swept\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wakened\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0joints,\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0leaves\t \u00a0sprouted\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 hadn't\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0heart,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dil,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0quarter\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0May\t \u00a01985.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0aced\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0 education\t \u00a0classes,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0minor\t \u00a0miracle\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0lectures\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soft\t \u00a0hook\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0sweltering\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0 market,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0booth,\t \u00a0fanning\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0news\t \u00a0papers.\t \u00a0Despite\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 bearing\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0branding\t \u00a0iron,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0market\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sales\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0strong-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0only\t \u00a012:30\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0$160.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0 stretched,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Coke.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Be\t \u00a0careful,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0walk.\t \u00a0\\\"Of\t \u00a0what,\t \u00a0Baba?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0ahmaq,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0stupid\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0about.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Remember\t \u00a0this,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Pashtun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 root.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0nang\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0namoos.\\\"\t \u00a0Nang.\t \u00a0Namoos.\t \u00a0Honor\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pride.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0tenets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Pashtun\t \u00a0men.\t \u00a0Especially\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chastity\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0daughter.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0drinks.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Just\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0embarrass\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0won't.\t \u00a0God,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0fanning\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0concession\t \u00a0booth\t \u00a0initially,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0T-\u00ad\u2010 shirt\t \u00a0stand-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010where,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0$5,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Jesus,\t \u00a0Elvis,\t \u00a0Jim\t \u00a0Morrison,\t \u00a0 or\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0three,\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0nylon\t \u00a0T-\u00ad\u2010shirt.\t \u00a0Mariachi\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0overhead,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0pickles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0grilled\t \u00a0meat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0spotted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0van\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0ours,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kiosk\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0 mango-\u00ad\u2010on-\u00ad\u2010a-\u00ad\u2010stick.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0alone,\t \u00a0reading.\t \u00a0White\t \u00a0ankle-\u00ad\u2010length\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0dress\t \u00a0 today.\t \u00a0Open-\u00ad\u2010toed\t \u00a0sandals.\t \u00a0Hair\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0crowned\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tulip-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0bun.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0simply\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had,\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 standing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0tablecloth,\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0 curling\t \u00a0irons\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0neckties.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0mozahem,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0disturb\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0today?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0ears\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0burning.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0 bring\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bracelet\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0elbow,\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0olive.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0respects?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0will.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Oh,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0case\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0 So\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0by.\t \u00a0To...\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0respects.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0cleared\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0Sorry\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 disturbed\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0didn't,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh.\t \u00a0Good.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tipped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 Hadn't\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0that?\t \u00a0\\\"Khoda\t \u00a0hafez.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Khoda\t \u00a0hafez.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0walk.\t \u00a0Stopped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lose\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0nerve:\t \u00a0\\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0reading?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0Suddenly,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0collective\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market\t \u00a0 Afghans\t \u00a0shift\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0imagined\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hush\t \u00a0falling.\t \u00a0Lips\t \u00a0stopping\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mid-\u00ad\u2010sentence.\t \u00a0 Heads\t \u00a0turning.\t \u00a0Eyes\t \u00a0narrowing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0keen\t \u00a0interest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this?\t \u00a0Up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0point,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0encounter\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 interpreted\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0respectful\t \u00a0inquiry,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0asking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whereabouts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 another\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0answered,\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0be...\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0 we'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0chatting.\t \u00a0Me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mojarad,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unwed\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0 woman.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0history,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0less.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0teetering\t \u00a0dangerously\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0verge\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0gossip\t \u00a0material,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Poison\t \u00a0tongues\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0flap.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brunt\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0poison,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0me-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0fully\t \u00a0aware\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 double\t \u00a0standard\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0favored\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gender.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0chatting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her?\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0Wooooy!\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0go?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lochak!\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0standards,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0bold.\t \u00a0With\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bared\t \u00a0 myself,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0doubt\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0interest\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 risked\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bruised\t \u00a0ego.\t \u00a0Bruises\t \u00a0healed.\t \u00a0Reputations\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not.\t \u00a0Would\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0dare?\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0faced\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Wuthering\t \u00a0Heights.\t \u00a0\\\"Have\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pulsating\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0sad\t \u00a0story.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sad\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0books,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0do.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0write.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 How\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0know?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0her,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0immediately\t \u00a0dismissed\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0scenarios\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0absurd.\t \u00a0Fathers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sons\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0freely\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0women.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0girl-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010no\t \u00a0decent\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0mohtaram\t \u00a0 Afghan\t \u00a0girl,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010queried\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0 especially\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Pashtun\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0nang\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0namoos,\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0discuss\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mojarad\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 daughter,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0unless\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0khastegar,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0suitor,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 done\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0honorable\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0knock\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Incredibly,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0\\\"Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0stories?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sensed\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unease\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 way\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0flick\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0checking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wondered\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0inappropriate\t \u00a0 length\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0someday,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0occasion\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisle.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 carrying\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0plastic\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fruit.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0bounced\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0unloading\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tablecloth.\t \u00a0 Her\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0glistened\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sheen\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sweat.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0coiffed\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0helmet,\t \u00a0 glittered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sunlight-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0bits\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0scalp\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0thinned.\t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cabbage-\u00ad\u2010round\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0capped\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 fingers\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0sausages.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0golden\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chain\t \u00a0burrowed\t \u00a0 under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0tags\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0folds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0Jamila,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan's\t \u00a0mother.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0embarrassed,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0often\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0Afghans,\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0grandfather,\t \u00a0Ghazi\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0judge?\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0uncle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0grandfather\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0cousins,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"So\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see,\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0related.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cap-\u00ad\u2010toothed\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0drooping\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0 eyes\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0yet.\t \u00a0 No\t \u00a0suitors,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0suitable\t \u00a0suitors,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0amended.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0 more-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0lethal\t \u00a0idle\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0prove\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0prospects\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0marrying\t \u00a0well.\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0men,\t \u00a0especially\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0reputable\t \u00a0families,\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 fickle\t \u00a0creatures.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0whisper\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0insinuation\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0fled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0 birds.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0weddings\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0sung\t \u00a0ahesta\t \u00a0boro\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Soraya,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0painted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0palms\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0henna,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0","her\t \u00a0headdress,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0danced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 wedding.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0woman,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0mother,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0heartbreakingly\t \u00a0eager,\t \u00a0 crooked\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0veiled\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0cringed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 position\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0power\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0granted,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0won\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0genetic\t \u00a0 lottery\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0determined\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sex.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thoughts\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 much\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife:\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0adversary\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010whatever\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 was-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sit\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Soraya,\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chair,\t \u00a0hachem.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0wash\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0peaches.\t \u00a0They're\t \u00a0sweet\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fresh.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0going.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0waiting.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh?\\\"\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0clearly\t \u00a0impressed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0polite\t \u00a0 thing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0declined\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0offer.\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0this.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0kiwis\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0peaches\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0insisted\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0\\\"Carry\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 Salaam\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0again.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0will.\t \u00a0Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eye,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0THOUGHT\t \u00a0YOU\t \u00a0WERE\t \u00a0GETTING\t \u00a0COKES,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0peaches\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0simultaneously\t \u00a0serious\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0playful\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0peach\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0\\\"Don't\t \u00a0 bother,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","THAT\t \u00a0NIGHT\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0BED,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0dappled\t \u00a0sunlight\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0danced\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Soraya's\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0delicate\t \u00a0hollows\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0collarbone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0replayed\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 conversation\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0Had\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0 you're\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0writer?\t \u00a0Which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0it?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stared\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ceiling,\t \u00a0 dismayed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0laborious,\t \u00a0interminable\t \u00a0nights\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0yelda\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0WENT\t \u00a0ON\t \u00a0LIKE\t \u00a0THAT\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0weeks.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 stroll,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0stand.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0 offer\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kolcha\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0chat\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0 we\t \u00a0knew,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0arthritis.\t \u00a0Undoubtedly,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0appearances\t \u00a0 always\t \u00a0coincided\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0husband's\t \u00a0absences,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0\\\"Oh\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 missed\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0Kaka,\\\"\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0amiable\t \u00a0ways;\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0relaxed,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0 talkative\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0around.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0presence\t \u00a0legitimized\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 happening\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010though\t \u00a0certainly\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0degree\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 general's\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have.\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0chaperoning\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0meetings,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 gossip-\u00ad\u2010proof,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0less\t \u00a0gossip-\u00ad\u2010worthy,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0borderline\t \u00a0fawning\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 clearly\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0booth,\t \u00a0talking.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0working\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0education\t \u00a0classes,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 Ohlone\t \u00a0Junior\t \u00a0College\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Fremont.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0major\t \u00a0in?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teacher,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Really?\t \u00a0Why?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Virginia,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0ESL\t \u00a0certified\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0teach\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0public\t \u00a0library\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0 too,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0history\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Zarghoona\t \u00a0High\t \u00a0School\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0girls\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0potbellied\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deerstalker\t \u00a0hat\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0dollars\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0five-\u00ad\u2010dollar\t \u00a0 set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0candlesticks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0","candy\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0shyly.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0story,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 said,\t \u00a0\\\"but\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0silly.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"Well,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0fourth\t \u00a0grade\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0hired\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Ziba\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sister\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Iran,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mashad,\t \u00a0 and,\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0Ziba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0illiterate,\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0sister\t \u00a0letters\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 while.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sister\t \u00a0replied,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Ziba.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0learn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0write.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0crinkling\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0much.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0schoolwork\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0teach\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0Alef-\u00ad\u2010beh.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0homework\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0Ziba\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen,\t \u00a0 stirring\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pressure\t \u00a0cooker,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pencil\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 alphabet\t \u00a0homework\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0assigned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0within\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a0Ziba\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0children's\t \u00a0books.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 yard\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tales\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Dara\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sara-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010slowly\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0correctly.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0 started\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0Moalem\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0Teacher\t \u00a0Soraya.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 sounds\t \u00a0childish,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0Ziba\t \u00a0wrote\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0letter,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 nothing\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teacher.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 done\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0worthwhile,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lied.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0literacy\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ridicule\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 How\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0teased\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0law\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0throwing\t \u00a0 hints\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0medical\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teacher.\t \u00a0Doesn't\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0too,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0denied\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 blush\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0blurted,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0implication\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0 Conversations\\\"\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 enormous\t \u00a0effort\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fished\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stapled\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 pocket.\t \u00a0\\\"As\t \u00a0promised.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0stories.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0remembered,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0beaming.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0register\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0addressed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0\\\"tu\\\"\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0formal\t \u00a0\\\"shoma,\\\"\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0vanished.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0fixed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0around.\t \u00a0 Came\t \u00a0face-\u00ad\u2010to-\u00ad\u2010face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0Our\t \u00a0aspiring\t \u00a0storyteller.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pleasure,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 smiling\t \u00a0thinly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam,\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0heavy\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0booth.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0nay?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 said,\t \u00a0thumb\t \u00a0hooked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breast\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0vest,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0extended\t \u00a0 toward\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pages.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0Hard\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0believe,\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 rolled\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garbage\t \u00a0can.\t \u00a0Turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gently\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 shoulder.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0together.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0bachem,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0fond\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0decent\t \u00a0 boy,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0but-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0\\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010even\t \u00a0decent\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0 need\t \u00a0reminding\t \u00a0sometimes.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0duty\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0remind\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0among\t \u00a0 peers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0expressionless\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0bore\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0see,\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0storyteller.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smiled,\t \u00a0revealing\t \u00a0perfectly\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0 teeth.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0respects\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0Smiled\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"WHAT'S\t \u00a0WRONG?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elderly\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 rocking\t \u00a0horse.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nothing,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0set.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Akh,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0brood\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Because\t \u00a0later\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0week,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cold.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0STARTED\t \u00a0WITH\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0HACKING\t \u00a0COUGH\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sniffles.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sniffles,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cough\t \u00a0persisted.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0hack\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0handkerchief,\t \u00a0stow\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 kept\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0checked,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hated\t \u00a0doctors\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 hospitals.\t \u00a0To\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knowledge,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0doctor\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0malaria\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0India.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then,\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0coughing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wad\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood-\u00ad\u2010stained\t \u00a0 phlegm\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0toilet.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What's\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dinner?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doctor.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Even\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0manager\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0owner\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0 offered\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0health\t \u00a0insurance,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0recklessness,\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0insisted.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0","took\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0county\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Jose.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sallow,\t \u00a0puffy-\u00ad\u2010eyed\t \u00a0doctor\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0introduced\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0second-\u00ad\u2010year\t \u00a0resident.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0sicker\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0grumbled.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0resident\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0X-\u00ad\u2010ray.\t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0nurse\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0resident\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0filling\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0form.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Take\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0desk,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0scribbling\t \u00a0quickly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0referral.\\\"\t \u00a0Scribble\t \u00a0scribble.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0what?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Pulmonary\t \u00a0clinic.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What's\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0quick\t \u00a0glance.\t \u00a0Pushed\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0glasses.\t \u00a0Began\t \u00a0scribbling\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0spot\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0lung.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0check\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0out.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0spot?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0small.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Cancer?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0added\t \u00a0casually.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Possible.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0suspicious,\t \u00a0anyway,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doctor\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0more?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Not\t \u00a0really.\t \u00a0Need\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0CAT\t \u00a0scan\t \u00a0first,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lung\t \u00a0doctor.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0referral\t \u00a0form.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0smokes,\t \u00a0right?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0Looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"They'll\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 within\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0weeks.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0word,\t \u00a0 \\\"suspicious,\\\"\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0weeks.\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0eat,\t \u00a0work,\t \u00a0study?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0send\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0word?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0form\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0 night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0asleep,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 prayer\t \u00a0rug.\t \u00a0Bowing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0recited\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010forgotten\t \u00a0verses\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Koran-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010verses\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0commit\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0memory\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0kindness\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0existed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0envied\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0 envied\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0faith\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0certainty.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Two\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0called.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0referral.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in?\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 call\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0weeks.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0hell\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bargained\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0CAT\t \u00a0scan,\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doctor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0visit\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pulmonologist,\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0from.\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0Russia.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Excuse\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0Doctor,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0aside.\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 stood\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0stethoscope\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Baba,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider's\t \u00a0biography\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0born\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0Michigan.\t \u00a0Michigan!\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0American,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0 ever\t \u00a0be.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0born,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0Roussi,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0grimacing\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dirty\t \u00a0word.\t \u00a0\\\"His\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0Roussi,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grandparents\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0Roussi.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 swear\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0break\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0tries\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0touch\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider's\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0fled\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Shorawi,\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see?\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0escaped!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 But\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0none\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Sometimes\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0country.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0screamed\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0frustration.\t \u00a0Instead,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Schneider.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0Doctor.\t \u00a0 This\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0out.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0pulmonologist,\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Iranian\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0approved.\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0 Amani,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soft-\u00ad\u2010spoken\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crooked\t \u00a0mustache\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mane\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 us\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0reviewed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0CAT\t \u00a0scan\t \u00a0results\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0perform\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 procedure\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bronchoscopy\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0piece\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lung\t \u00a0mass\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0pathology.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0scheduled\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0following\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 office,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0word,\t \u00a0\\\"mass,\\\"\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0ominous\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0\\\"suspicious.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Satan,\t \u00a0cancer\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0names.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0 \\\"Oat\t \u00a0Cell\t \u00a0Carcinoma.\\\"\t \u00a0Advanced.\t \u00a0Inoperable.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 prognosis.\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lip,\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0\\\"grave.\\\"\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0chemotherapy,\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0course,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0palliative.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0mean?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Dr.\t \u00a0Amani\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0outcome,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0prolong\t \u00a0 it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani.\t \u00a0Thank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 chemo-\u00ad\u2010medication\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0resolved\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0stamps\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Dobbins's\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0Baba-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0challenge\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0public,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0Ever.\t \u00a0Who\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0RAIN\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spoken\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0 late,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani's\t \u00a0office,\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0cars\t \u00a0sprayed\t \u00a0grimy\t \u00a0","water\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sidewalks.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smoked\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0slipping\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0key\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lobby\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0chemo\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chance,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0pocketed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0keys,\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0building's\t \u00a0 striped\t \u00a0awning.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0kneaded\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0 \\\"Bas!\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0decision.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Baba?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 welling\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0disgust\t \u00a0swept\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0rain-\u00ad\u2010soaked\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kid,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0fall,\t \u00a0scrape\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cry.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0\\\"You're\t \u00a0twenty-\u00ad\u2010two\t \u00a0 years\t \u00a0old,\t \u00a0Amir!\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0man!\t \u00a0You...\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 again,\t \u00a0reconsidered.\t \u00a0Above\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0drummed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0canvas\t \u00a0awning.\t \u00a0\\\"What's\t \u00a0 going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0happen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0say?\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0teach\t \u00a0 you,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0question.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Turned\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 finds\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0anybody's\t \u00a0sympathy.\\\"\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0disappeared\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dim\t \u00a0lobby.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0chain-\u00ad\u2010smoked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0TV.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0whom\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0defying.\t \u00a0Me?\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani?\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0 maybe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 FOR\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0WHILE,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0cancer\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0garage\t \u00a0sale\t \u00a0treks\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Saturdays,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0navigator,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0display\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Sundays.\t \u00a0Brass\t \u00a0lamps.\t \u00a0Baseball\t \u00a0gloves.\t \u00a0Ski\t \u00a0jackets\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0 zippers.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0greeted\t \u00a0acquaintances\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0haggled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 buyers\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dollar\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0two.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0mattered.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0orphan\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0inching\t \u00a0closer\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shop.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sometimes,\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0strolled\t \u00a0by.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general,\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 diplomat,\t \u00a0greeted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010handed\t \u00a0shake.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0","new\t \u00a0reticence\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0demeanor.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0reticence\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 secret,\t \u00a0droopy\t \u00a0smiles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0furtive,\t \u00a0apologetic\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0cast\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 general's\t \u00a0attention\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0engaged\t \u00a0elsewhere.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0period\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0\\\"firsts\\\":\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0moan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pillow.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 three\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gas\t \u00a0station,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0sick.\t \u00a0Another\t \u00a0first.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0Halloween\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0mid-\u00ad\u2010Saturday\t \u00a0 afternoon\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bargained\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0junk.\t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0Thanksgiving,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0noon.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0sleighs\t \u00a0appeared\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0 lawns\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fake\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Douglas\t \u00a0firs,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0stayed\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0VW\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0 alone\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0peninsula.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sometimes\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market,\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0acquaintances\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0remarks\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0weight\t \u00a0loss.\t \u00a0At\t \u00a0first,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0complimentary.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0secret\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0diet.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0queries\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0compliments\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0weight\t \u00a0loss\t \u00a0 didn't.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pounds\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0shedding.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0shedding.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0 hollowed.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0temples\t \u00a0melted.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0receded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0sockets.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0New\t \u00a0Year's\t \u00a0Day,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 lampshade\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stocky\t \u00a0Filipino\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rummaged\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0VW\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 cover\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0with.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hey,\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0needs\t \u00a0help!\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Filipino\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0alarm.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 turned\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0jerking.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Komak!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0cried.\t \u00a0\\\"Somebody\t \u00a0help!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0frothing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 mouth,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foamy\t \u00a0spittle\t \u00a0soaking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beard.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0upturned\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0white.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 People\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0rushing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0seizure.\t \u00a0Some\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0 yelling,\t \u00a0\\\"Call\t \u00a0911!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0footsteps.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0darkened\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0 gathered\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0spittle\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0biting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tongue.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kneeled\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0grabbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0 right\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0soothe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0convulsions\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Talk\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0leaving\t \u00a0","my\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wetness\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees.\t \u00a0Saw\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0bladder\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0Shhh,\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0DOCTOR,\t \u00a0white-\u00ad\u2010bearded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0perfectly\t \u00a0bald,\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0CAT\t \u00a0scans\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0films\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0viewing\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hallway\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eraser\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pencil\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 pictures\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0cancer,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cop\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0mug\t \u00a0shots\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0killer\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 victim's\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0brain\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0pictures\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0cross\t \u00a0sections\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0 walnut,\t \u00a0riddled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0tennis\t \u00a0ball-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0things.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"As\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0see,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cancer's\t \u00a0metastasized,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"He'll\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 steroids\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0reduce\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0swelling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brain\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0anti-\u00ad\u2010seizure\t \u00a0medications.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 recommend\t \u00a0palliative\t \u00a0radiation.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0means?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0conversant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0cancer\t \u00a0talk.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"All\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0then,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beeper.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0paged\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0questions.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0NEXT\t \u00a0MORNING,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hall\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0jammed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Afghans.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0butcher\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Newark.\t \u00a0An\t \u00a0engineer\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 orphanage.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0filed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0respects\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hushed\t \u00a0tones.\t \u00a0Wished\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0swift\t \u00a0recovery.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0awake\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0groggy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tired,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0awake.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Midmorning,\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0came.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 glanced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friend?\\\"\t \u00a0 General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0motioned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0IV\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0Smiled\t \u00a0thinly.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0 smiled\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0shouldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0burdened\t \u00a0yourselves.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0croaked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0burden,\\\"\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0burden\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0More\t \u00a0importantly,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0 Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anything\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all?\t \u00a0Ask\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brother.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Pashtuns\t \u00a0once.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 hardheaded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0proud,\t \u00a0but,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0need,\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Pashtun.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pillow.\t \u00a0\\\"Your\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0brightened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 eyes.\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0squeezed\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan?\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kindness\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes...\t \u00a0\\\"Nay\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0 General\t \u00a0Sahib.\t \u00a0I'm...\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0lump\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0teared\t \u00a0over.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 bolted\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wept\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hallway,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0viewing\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0where,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0killer's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0sweatshirt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0jeans.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 find\t \u00a0comfort\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0arms.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrong,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0blotted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sleeve.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0Our\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0touch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 Brought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0\\\"You'd\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0inside.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0should.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0\\\"Soraya?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0came,\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0means...\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THEY\t \u00a0DISCHARGED\t \u00a0BABA\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0specialist\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 radiation\t \u00a0oncologist\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0radiation\t \u00a0treatment.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0refused.\t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0signed\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0forms,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0Torino.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0couch,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wool\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0covering\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 brought\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0roasted\t \u00a0almonds.\t \u00a0Wrapped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0easily.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0blade\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bird's\t \u00a0wing\t \u00a0 under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0ribs\t \u00a0stretched\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0thin,\t \u00a0sallow\t \u00a0skin.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Baba?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0bachem.\t \u00a0Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wonder\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0 not\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0exhausted.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0khastegari.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 daughter's\t \u00a0hand.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0dry\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0stretched\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0spot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wilted\t \u00a0leaf.\t \u00a0\\\"Are\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0sure?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"More\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0anything.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You've\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0over?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Balay,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0notebook.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0\\\"Now?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0when?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"Okay.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0scribbled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0friends'\t \u00a0numbers.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris.\t \u00a0Dialed.\t \u00a0Brought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0receiver\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ear.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0pirouettes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Jamila\t \u00a0jan?\t \u00a0Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0introduced\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0Paused.\t \u00a0 \\\"Much\t \u00a0better,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0gracious\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0","while.\t \u00a0Nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Is\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib\t \u00a0home?\\\"\t \u00a0Pause.\t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0reason.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0scream.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 brought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0softly\t \u00a0 through\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"General\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum...\t \u00a0Yes,\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0better...\t \u00a0Balay...\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0kind.\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 visit\t \u00a0tomorrow\t \u00a0morning.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0honorable\t \u00a0matter...\t \u00a0Yes...\t \u00a0Eleven\t \u00a0o'clock\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 fine.\t \u00a0Until\t \u00a0then.\t \u00a0Khoda\t \u00a0hafez.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0giggles.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 BABA\t \u00a0WET\t \u00a0HIS\t \u00a0HAIR\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0combed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0knotted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tie\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0noting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0inches\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0space\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 collar\t \u00a0button\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0spaces\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0 gone.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0yet.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0thoughts.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0jacket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0graduation,\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0him-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010too\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 melted\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fill\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0anymore.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sleeves.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stooped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 shoelaces\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Taheris\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flat,\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0residential\t \u00a0areas\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0known\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0housing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0number\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Afghans.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bay\t \u00a0windows,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 pitched\t \u00a0roof,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0enclosed\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0porch\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0potted\t \u00a0geraniums.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 general's\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0van\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 leaned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passenger\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0\\\"Be\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Okay,\t \u00a0Baba,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Good\t \u00a0luck.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rearview\t \u00a0mirror,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hobbling\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0 driveway\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0fatherly\t \u00a0duty.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0PACED\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0LIVING\t \u00a0ROOM\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0apartment\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0call.\t \u00a0Fifteen\t \u00a0 paces\t \u00a0long.\t \u00a0Ten\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0paces\t \u00a0wide.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0no?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 hated\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen,\t \u00a0checking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oven\t \u00a0clock.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0noon.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0accepted.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0air.\t \u00a0Sat\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0shaking.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0did?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0upstairs\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0first.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Okay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0double\t \u00a0click\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0 up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0\\\"Salaam.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0switched\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0I...\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0happening.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Listen,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0before...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0secrets.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"If\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0better,\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0anything.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0pause\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0end.\t \u00a0\\\"When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Virginia,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0 away\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0eighteen\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time...\t \u00a0rebellious...\t \u00a0stupid,\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0drugs...\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0month.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Virginia\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Padar\t \u00a0eventually\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 come\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hysterical.\t \u00a0Yelling.\t \u00a0Screaming.\t \u00a0Saying\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hated\t \u00a0him...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crying.\t \u00a0\\\"Excuse\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0Blow\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0\\\"Sorry,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0sounding\t \u00a0hoarse.\t \u00a0 \\\"When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stroke,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0paralyzed\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0guilty.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0deserve\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Padar\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0California\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after.\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0now?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"We've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0differences,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0do,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0grateful\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saved\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0paused.\t \u00a0\\\"So,\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0bother\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0little,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0owed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truth\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0lie\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 say\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pride,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0iftikhar,\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0stung\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0 whereas\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0bother\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 pondered\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0khastegari.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 people,\t \u00a0chastise\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0past?\t \u00a0\\\"Does\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0bother\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0mind?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0close,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Nothing\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0changes\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0marry.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0envied\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0secret\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0Spoken.\t \u00a0Dealt\t \u00a0with.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0betrayed\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0lied,\t \u00a0driven\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0destroyed\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0forty-\u00ad\u2010year\t \u00a0relationship\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0suspected\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0ways\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0person\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Courage\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THIRTEEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0arrived\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0evening-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010for\t \u00a0Lafz,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ceremony\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0\\\"giving\t \u00a0word\\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0park\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0Their\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 already\t \u00a0jammed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0cars.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0navy\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0previous\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0_khastegari_.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tie\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 rearview\t \u00a0mirror.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0khoshteep,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Handsome.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right?\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0this?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0this?\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0happiest\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0tiredly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0COULD\t \u00a0HEAR\t \u00a0CHATTER\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0laughter,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 music\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0softly-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0sounded\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0classical\t \u00a0ghazal\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Ustad\t \u00a0Sarahang.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0bell.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0peeked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curtains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 disappeared.\t \u00a0\\\"They're\t \u00a0here!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0chatter\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0 Someone\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0music.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0\\\"_Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum_,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0beaming.\t \u00a0 She'd\t \u00a0permed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elegant,\t \u00a0ankle-\u00ad\u2010length\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0dress.\t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0moistened.\t \u00a0\\\"You're\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kiss\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0instructed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brightly\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0hallway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wood-\u00ad\u2010 paneled\t \u00a0walls,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0pictures\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0family:\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 young\t \u00a0bouffant-\u00ad\u2010haired\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Niagara\t \u00a0Falls\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 background;\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0seamless\t \u00a0dress,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0narrow-\u00ad\u2010 lapelled\t \u00a0jacket\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0tie,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0black;\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0board\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 wooden\t \u00a0roller\t \u00a0coaster,\t \u00a0waving\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiling,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0glinting\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0wires\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general,\t \u00a0dashing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0military\t \u00a0outfit,\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0King\t \u00a0Hussein\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Jordan.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0portrait\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Zahir\t \u00a0Shah.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0packed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0seated\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0chairs\t \u00a0 placed\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0entered,\t \u00a0everybody\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0 around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0leading\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 greeting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guests.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010still\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0suit-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0embraced,\t \u00a0gently\t \u00a0 tapping\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0Salaams\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0respectful\t \u00a0hushed\t \u00a0 tones.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0arm's\t \u00a0length\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0knowingly,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0 \\\"Now,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0way-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0way-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0_bachem_.\\\"\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 times\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cheek.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other,\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0breathing\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0ragged,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0 wiping\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scalp\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0handkerchief.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0strained\t \u00a0grin.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0mouthed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0keeping\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0tradition,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0present.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0idle\t \u00a0chatter\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0 cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0quiet\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 hands\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0respect.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0began,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0speak\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 complete\t \u00a0sentences\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0stopping\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0breathe.\t \u00a0\\\"General\t \u00a0Sahib,\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0 jan...\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0humility\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I...\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0today.\t \u00a0 You\t \u00a0are...\t \u00a0honorable\t \u00a0people...\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0distinguished\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0reputable\t \u00a0families\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0 proud\t \u00a0lineage.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0utmost\t \u00a0ihtiram...\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0highest\t \u00a0 regards\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0names,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0memory...\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0ancestors.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 stopped.\t \u00a0Caught\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0Wiped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow.\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0son...\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0 child,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0proves...\t \u00a0worthy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 kindness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0honor\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me...\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0accept\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 family.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0politely.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0honored\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0welcome\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0yourself\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 family,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Your\t \u00a0reputation\t \u00a0precedes\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0humble\t \u00a0admirer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0remain\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0today.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0honored\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ours\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 joined.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0welcome\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0husband\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0noor\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0pain,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0joy\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0joy.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0parents,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0lovely\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan's\t \u00a0happiness.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0blessings.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Everyone\t \u00a0applauded,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0signal,\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 hallway.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0appeared\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end.\t \u00a0Dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stunning\t \u00a0wine-\u00ad\u2010colored\t \u00a0 traditional\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0dress\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0sleeves\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0trimmings.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0 mine\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tightened.\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0Slowly,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0tailed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0procession\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0female\t \u00a0relatives.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0Sat\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0downcast.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0applause\t \u00a0swelled.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ACCORDING\t \u00a0TO\t \u00a0TRADITION,\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0engagement\t \u00a0 party\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shirini-\u00ad\u2010khori-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010or\t \u00a0\\\"Eating\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Sweets\\\"\t \u00a0ceremony.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 engagement\t \u00a0period\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0lasted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0months.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wedding,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0agreed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0forgo\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shirini-\u00ad\u2010khori.\t \u00a0Everyone\t \u00a0 knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0reason,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it:\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0live.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0preparations\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wedding\t \u00a0proceeded-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010since\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0yet,\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Shirini-\u00ad\u2010 khori,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0considered\t \u00a0improper.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Taheris\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dinner.\t \u00a0Sit\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dinner\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0Imagine\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0Kiss\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Make\t \u00a0 love\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0$35,000,\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balance\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0savings,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 awroussi,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0ceremony.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0rented\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0banquet\t \u00a0hall\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Fremont-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 substantial\t \u00a0discount.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chilas,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0matching\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0bands,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0diamond\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tuxedo,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0traditional\t \u00a0 green\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0nika-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0swearing\t \u00a0ceremony.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0frenzied\t \u00a0preparations\t \u00a0","that\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0night-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0blessedly,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0friends-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0nika.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0seated\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0green-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Islam,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0 beginnings.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0(the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table)\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0veiled\t \u00a0long-\u00ad\u2010 sleeved\t \u00a0dress.\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0(in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tuxedo\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time),\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Soraya's\t \u00a0uncles\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0present\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0 solemnly\t \u00a0respectful,\t \u00a0casting\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0sideways\t \u00a0glances\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0 questioned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0witnesses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0oaths.\t \u00a0Signed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 certificates.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0uncles\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Virginia,\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0 brother,\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0U.S.\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0twenty\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0 wife.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0poet.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0birdlike\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fluffy\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0lengthy\t \u00a0poem\t \u00a0dedicated\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0jotted\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0stationery\t \u00a0paper.\t \u00a0\\\"Wah\t \u00a0 wah,\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0jan!\\\"\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0exclaimed\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0finished.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stage,\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tuxedo,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0veiled\t \u00a0 pan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0locked.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0hobbled\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 wife\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0daughter.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0procession\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0uncles,\t \u00a0aunts,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cousins\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 we\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hall,\t \u00a0parting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sea\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0applauding\t \u00a0guests,\t \u00a0blinking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 flashing\t \u00a0cameras.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0cousins,\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0jan's\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 heads\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0inched\t \u00a0along.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0song,\t \u00a0ahesta\t \u00a0boro,\t \u00a0blared\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 speakers,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0song\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Mahipar\t \u00a0checkpoint\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0sung\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0Kabul:\t \u00a0Make\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0key\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 well,\t \u00a0Go\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lovely\t \u00a0moon,\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0slowly.\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0rise\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0east,\t \u00a0Go\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lovely\t \u00a0moon,\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0slowly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa,\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stage\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0throne,\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0 hand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mine,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0Ayena\t \u00a0Masshaf,\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0veil\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0heads,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 gaze\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other's\t \u00a0reflection.\t \u00a0Looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0mirror,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0momentary\t \u00a0privacy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0veil,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0whispered\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 loved\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0blush,\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0henna,\t \u00a0bloomed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0cheeks.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0colorful\t \u00a0platters\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0chopan\t \u00a0kabob,\t \u00a0sholeh-\u00ad\u2010goshti,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wild-\u00ad\u2010orange\t \u00a0 rice.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0sweat-\u00ad\u2010drenched\t \u00a0 men\t \u00a0dancing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0traditional\t \u00a0attan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0circle,\t \u00a0bouncing,\t \u00a0spinning\t \u00a0faster\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0faster\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0feverish\t \u00a0tempo\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tabla,\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0exhaustion.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0wishing\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0married.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0so,\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0 face\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0veil?\t \u00a0Whose\t \u00a0henna-\u00ad\u2010painted\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0held?\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 AROUND\t \u00a02\t \u00a0A.M.,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0party\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0banquet\t \u00a0hall\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0apartment.\t \u00a0Tea\t \u00a0 flowed\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighbors\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cops.\t \u00a0Later\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0less\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0rising\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0gone,\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0men.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0 night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0discovered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tenderness\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0WAS\t \u00a0SORAYA\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0suggested\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0place,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"With\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0sick\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0replied.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0marriage.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0dedicated\t \u00a0herself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0toast\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0 pills,\t \u00a0washed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0clothes,\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0international\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0newspaper\t \u00a0 every\t \u00a0afternoon,\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0cooked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0dish,\t \u00a0potato\t \u00a0shorwa,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0 scarcely\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0spoonfuls,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brief\t \u00a0 walk\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0block.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0bedridden,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 side\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bedsore.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pharmacy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0morphine\t \u00a0pills.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glimpse\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0quickly\t \u00a0sliding\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0\\\"Hey,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that!\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0doing?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nothing,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Liar.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0\\\"What's\t \u00a0this?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010bound\t \u00a0book,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0traced\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gold-\u00ad\u2010 stitched\t \u00a0borders.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0works\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0thirteenth\t \u00a0birthday,\t \u00a0flares\t \u00a0sizzling\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0exploding\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 bouquets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0green,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pillow.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 mind.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0hated\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 cried.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0MONTH\t \u00a0AFTER\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0WEDDING,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris,\t \u00a0Sharif,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0Suzy,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0aunts\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0apartment\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dinner.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0sabzi\t \u00a0 challow-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010white\t \u00a0rice\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0spinach\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lamb.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0dinner,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 played\t \u00a0cards\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0groups\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0four.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Suzy\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 coffee\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0couch\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wool\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0joking\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Sharif,\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0lacing\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0together,\t \u00a0 watched\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0push\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0curl\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0internal\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 wide\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0skies\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0nights\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poplars\t \u00a0shivered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 crickets\t \u00a0swelled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gardens.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0midnight,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 placed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0ours\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 lowered\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bedside\t \u00a0lamp.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lean\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0 gave\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kiss.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0morphine\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water,\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Not\t \u00a0tonight,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0tonight.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Okay,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 never\t \u00a0woke\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THEY\t \u00a0FILLED\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0PARKING\t \u00a0SPOTS\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hayward.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balding\t \u00a0 grass\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0building,\t \u00a0cars\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0SUVs\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0makeshift\t \u00a0 rows.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0north\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0spot.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0men's\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0square\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 Afghan\t \u00a0rugs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0mattresses\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0parallel\t \u00a0lines.\t \u00a0Men\t \u00a0filed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0 leaving\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0shoes\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0entrance,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0cross-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mattresses.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 mullah\t \u00a0chanted\t \u00a0surrahs\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0microphone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 customary\t \u00a0position\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deceased.\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0seated\t \u00a0 next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0lines\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cars\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0sunlight\t \u00a0 winking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0windshields.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0passengers,\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0 suits,\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0clad\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0dresses,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0traditional\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0 hijabs.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0reverberated\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 old\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0wrestling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baluchistan.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wrestled\t \u00a0bears\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Losing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0Raising\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0Leaving\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 beloved\t \u00a0homeland,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0watan.\t \u00a0Poverty.\t \u00a0Indignity.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0best.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0terms.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 After\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0prayers,\t \u00a0groups\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0mourners\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0greeted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0Dutifully,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0Many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0knew.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 smiled\t \u00a0politely,\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0wishes,\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 say\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ??helped\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0build\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Taimani...\\\"\t \u00a0bless\t \u00a0him...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ??no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0lent\t \u00a0me...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"...found\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job...\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0me...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"...like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 defined\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0marks\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0people's\t \u00a0lives.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0\\\"Baba's\t \u00a0son.\\\"\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0anymore;\t \u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0terrified\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Earlier,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gravesite\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0Muslim\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cemetery,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 watched\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 argument\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0correct\t \u00a0ayat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0recite\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gravesite.\t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0ugly\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0intervened.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0chose\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0ayat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0recited\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0casting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0nasty\t \u00a0glances.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0toss\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0shovelful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grave.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0Walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0cemetery.\t \u00a0Sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shade\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0maple.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Now\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mourners\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0respects\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 empty,\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0unplugging\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0microphone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wrapping\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0cloth.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0late-\u00ad\u2010afternoon\t \u00a0sun.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steps,\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0smoking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0clusters.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0snippets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 conversations,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0game\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Union\t \u00a0City\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0weekend,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 restaurant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Santa\t \u00a0Clara.\t \u00a0Life\t \u00a0moving\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0leaving\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0behind.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0bachem?\\\"\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0gritted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0Bit\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0threatened\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0 going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0Soraya,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Okay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0women's\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 steps\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0ladies\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0recognized\t \u00a0vaguely\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0"]
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