["wedding.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0motioned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0walk?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sure.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0winding\t \u00a0gravel\t \u00a0path\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0 hedges.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bench\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elderly\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0kneeling\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grave\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0placing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bouquet\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0daisies\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0headstone.\t \u00a0\\\"Soraya?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lap.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0chila\t \u00a0glinted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0finger.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0 her,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0mourners\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Mission\t \u00a0Boulevard.\t \u00a0Soon\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0 leave\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ever,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0came.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 BECAUSE\t \u00a0SORAYA\t \u00a0AND\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0engagement\t \u00a0period,\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 learned\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0example,\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0month,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0suffered\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0blinding\t \u00a0migraines\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 lasted\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0headaches\t \u00a0struck,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0 undressed,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0light,\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 pain\t \u00a0subsided.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0allowed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0allowed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0knock.\t \u00a0 Eventually,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0emerge,\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0smelling\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 sleep\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0sheets,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0puffy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bloodshot.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0slept\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0separate\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0 remember.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0petty,\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bite\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 _qurma_\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0sigh,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0push\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0else,\\\"\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0ignore\t \u00a0her,\t \u00a0sulk,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0 bread\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0onion.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0angry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0cry.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0","took\t \u00a0antidepressants.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0welfare\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 never\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0preferring\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cash\t \u00a0government-\u00ad\u2010issued\t \u00a0checks\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0 degrading\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0unsuitable\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0stature-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0 market\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hobby,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0socialize\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0Afghans.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0 believed\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0sooner\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0freed,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0monarchy\t \u00a0 restored,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0services\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0upon.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 donned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0wound\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0watch,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waited.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Khanum\t \u00a0Taheri-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010whom\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0now-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010had\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0famous\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0enchanting\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0Though\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 sung\t \u00a0professionally,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0talent\t \u00a0to-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0sing\t \u00a0folk\t \u00a0 songs,\t \u00a0ghazals,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0raga,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0usually\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0domain.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 general\t \u00a0appreciated\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0music-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0owned,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0fact,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0considerable\t \u00a0 collection\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0classical\t \u00a0ghazal\t \u00a0tapes\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0singers-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 performing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0lesser\t \u00a0reputations.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0sing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 public\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0conditions\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0married.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0 told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0wedding,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0song,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0buried.\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0 played\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lotto\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Johnny\t \u00a0Carson\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garden,\t \u00a0tending\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0roses,\t \u00a0geraniums,\t \u00a0potato\t \u00a0vines,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 orchids.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flowers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Johnny\t \u00a0Carson\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0backseat.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0delight\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila's\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Unlike\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0guarded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 diplomatic\t \u00a0manners-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0correct\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0continued\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0\\\"General\t \u00a0 Sahib\\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0secret\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0adored\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0impressive\t \u00a0list\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0maladies,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 turned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deaf\t \u00a0ear\t \u00a0to.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0stroke,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 flutter\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0attack,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0aching\t \u00a0joint\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0onset\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rheumatoid\t \u00a0 arthritis,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0twitch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0stroke.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0 Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0mentioned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lump\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0skip\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0tomorrow\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 take\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doctor,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0books\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0good,\t \u00a0bachem.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0khala's\t \u00a0medical\t \u00a0charts\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0works\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Rumi:\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0volumes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0audience\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0monologues\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 illness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0firmly\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rifle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0murdering\t \u00a0 rampage,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0benefit\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0unblinking\t \u00a0love.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 rid\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0gravest\t \u00a0malady.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0relieved\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0greatest\t \u00a0fear\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 Afghan\t \u00a0mother:\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0honorable\t \u00a0khastegar\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0daughter's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0age\t \u00a0alone,\t \u00a0husbandless,\t \u00a0childless.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0husband.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0song\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 And,\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0details\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Virginia.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wedding.\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0uncle,\t \u00a0Sharif,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 INS,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0marrying\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0girl\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Newark.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0hall\t \u00a0where,\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0prior,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0awroussi.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0guests,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bride\t \u00a0accept\t \u00a0rings\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 groom's\t \u00a0family,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0overheard\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0middle-\u00ad\u2010aged\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0talking,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0backs\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lovely\t \u00a0bride,\\\"\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0maghbool,\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moon.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0pure\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0Virtuous.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0boyfriends.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0marry\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cousin.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Ford\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curb,\t \u00a0 parked\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0streetlight\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Fremont\t \u00a0Boulevard.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0\\\"Who\t \u00a0cares?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0fucking\t \u00a0unfair,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0barked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Just\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Their\t \u00a0sons\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0nightclubs\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0girlfriends\t \u00a0 pregnant,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wedlock\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0Oh,\t \u00a0 they're\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0having\t \u00a0fun!\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0mistake\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 talking\t \u00a0nang\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0namoos,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0life.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tear\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0jawline,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0birthmark,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pad\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0thumb.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0dabbing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0\\\"but\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told...\t \u00a0him...\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0bullets\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chamber,\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0screaming,\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0kinds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0names,\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0forever,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wished\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0dead.\\\"\t \u00a0Fresh\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0squeezed\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0lids.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0dead.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 because\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0slurring\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0badly.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 bedroom\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dresser\t \u00a0mirror.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 scissors\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0calmly\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0weeks.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0whispers\t \u00a0 or\t \u00a0imagined\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0everywhere\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 thousand\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0hearing\t \u00a0them.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Fuck\t \u00a0'em,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0sob,\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0laugh.\t \u00a0\\\"When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0khastegari,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0mind.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Soraya.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 different\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0met.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let's\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0okay?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Okay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0cheek\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curb.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drove,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0 why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0different.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0men;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0 grown\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0exposed\t \u00a0firsthand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0double\t \u00a0 standard\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0society\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0treated\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 because\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unusual\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0liberal\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0","his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0rules,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0maverick\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0disregarded\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0embraced\t \u00a0societal\t \u00a0customs\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0fit.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0reason\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0regret.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SHORTLY\t \u00a0AFTER\t \u00a0BABA'S\t \u00a0DEATH,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010bedroom\t \u00a0 apartment\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Fremont,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0 Jamila's\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya's\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0couch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Mikasa\t \u00a0 dishes\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0housewarming\t \u00a0presents.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0additional\t \u00a0present,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 brand\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0IBM\t \u00a0typewriter.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0note\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Farsi:\t \u00a0 Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0discover\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0tales\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0keys.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 General\t \u00a0Iqbal\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sold\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0VW\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gravesite\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0Friday,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0sometimes,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0 bouquet\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0freesias\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0headstone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0settled\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0routines-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0minor\t \u00a0wonders-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010of\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0 life.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0shared\t \u00a0toothbrushes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0socks,\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0paper.\t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0slept\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0preferred\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0fluffy\t \u00a0pillows,\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0ones.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0cereal\t \u00a0dry,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0snack,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0chased\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0milk.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0acceptance\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Jose\t \u00a0State\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0declared\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 English\t \u00a0major.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0security\t \u00a0job,\t \u00a0swing\t \u00a0shift\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0furniture\t \u00a0warehouse\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Sunnyvale.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dreadfully\t \u00a0boring,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0saving\t \u00a0grace\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 considerable\t \u00a0one:\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0at\t \u00a06\t \u00a0P.M.\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0crawl\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0plastic-\u00ad\u2010covered\t \u00a0sofas\t \u00a0piled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ceiling,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0books\t \u00a0","and\t \u00a0studied.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Pine-\u00ad\u2010Sol-\u00ad\u2010scented\t \u00a0office\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0furniture\t \u00a0warehouse\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0novel.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Jose\t \u00a0State\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0following\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0enrolled,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 father's\t \u00a0chagrin,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teaching\t \u00a0track.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0wasting\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0talents\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0dinner.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0earned\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0A's\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0school?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0\\\"An\t \u00a0intelligent\t \u00a0girl\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 lawyer,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0political\t \u00a0scientist.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0free,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0 help\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0constitution.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0talented\t \u00a0 Afghans\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0offer\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ministry\t \u00a0position,\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 family\t \u00a0name.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0tightening.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0girl,\t \u00a0Padar.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0woman.\t \u00a0Besides,\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0teachers\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anyone\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0teach.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0rice,\t \u00a0Madar?\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 After\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0excused\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hayward,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0 Jamila\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0console\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0well,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0successful.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0boast\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0attorney\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0friends.\t \u00a0Another\t \u00a0 medal\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Such\t \u00a0nonsense\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0speak!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Successful,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0hissed.\t \u00a0\\\"At\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0 other\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0fight\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0settles\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0reclaim\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0posh\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0government\t \u00a0position.\t \u00a0Teaching\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0much,\t \u00a0","but\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do!\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0love,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0 collecting\t \u00a0welfare,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0tongue.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0hears\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0 never\t \u00a0speak\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0again.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0worry,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0snapped,\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0napkin\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plate.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0 bruise\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0precious\t \u00a0ego.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IN\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0SUMMER\t \u00a0of\t \u00a01988,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Soviets\t \u00a0withdrew\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 Afghanistan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0finished\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0novel,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0father-\u00ad\u2010son\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0 mostly\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0typewriter\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0query\t \u00a0letters\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dozen\t \u00a0agencies\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0stunned\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0August\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0mailbox\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0request\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0New\t \u00a0York\t \u00a0agency\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0completed\t \u00a0manuscript.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mailed\t \u00a0 it\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0carefully\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0manuscript\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0 insisted\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0nazr\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 me,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0vow\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0slaughtered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poor\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0accepted.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0nazn,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0kissing\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0_zakat_,\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0need,\t \u00a0okay?\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0killing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Six\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Martin\t \u00a0Greenwalt\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0New\t \u00a0York\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0represent\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0agent\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0published.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0Martin\t \u00a0sells\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0novel,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0we'll\t \u00a0 celebrate.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0Martin\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0informed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 published\t \u00a0novelist.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0celebration\t \u00a0dinner\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0 Jamila\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0kofta-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010meatballs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0rice-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0ferni.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 sheen\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0moisture\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0left,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0celebrated\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0expensive\t \u00a0bottle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Merlot\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 bought\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0home-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0approve\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0drinking\t \u00a0 alcohol,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0presence.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0raising\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0\\\"Kaka\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0wishing\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Later\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0asleep-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010wine\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0sleepy-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0 stood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balcony\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0breathed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0air.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0 Khan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0note\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0support\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0 story.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Some\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0writer,\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0once,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0stories.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0goodness\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0happiness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0whether\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0deserved\t \u00a0 any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0novel\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0released\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0following\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a01989,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0publisher\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0five-\u00ad\u2010city\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0tour.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0minor\t \u00a0celebrity\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Afghan\t \u00a0community.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi\t \u00a0completed\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 withdrawal\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0glory\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Afghans.\t \u00a0 Instead,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0raged\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Afghans,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Mujahedin,\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Soviet\t \u00a0puppet\t \u00a0government\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Najibullah,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0refugees\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0flocking\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Pakistan.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0ended,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Berlin\t \u00a0Wall\t \u00a0 came\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Tiananmen\t \u00a0Square.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0midst\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0 Afghanistan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0forgotten.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri,\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0hopes\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stirred\t \u00a0awake\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Soviets\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0winding\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0IDEA\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0FATHERHOOD\t \u00a0unleashed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0swirl\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0emotions\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 frightening,\t \u00a0invigorating,\t \u00a0daunting,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0exhilarating\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0 sort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0make,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0happened.\t \u00a0With\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0cycle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0 grew\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0frustrated,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0impatient,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0irritable.\t \u00a0By\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila's\t \u00a0 initially\t \u00a0subtle\t \u00a0hints\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0overt,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0\\\"Kho\t \u00a0dega!\\\"\t \u00a0So!\t \u00a0\\\"When\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 sing\t \u00a0alahoo\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0nawasa?\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general,\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Pashtun,\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0","queries-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010doing\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0alluding\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sexual\t \u00a0act\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 man,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0perked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0teased\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0baby.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sometimes,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0takes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\t \u00a0Amir!\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0terse\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0unlike\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Something's\t \u00a0wrong,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0let's\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0doctor.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 DR.\t \u00a0ROSEN,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0round-\u00ad\u2010bellied\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0plump\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0small,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0faint\t \u00a0Eastern\t \u00a0European\t \u00a0accent,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0remotely\t \u00a0Slavic.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 passion\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0trains-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010his\t \u00a0office\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0littered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0books\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0history\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 railroads,\t \u00a0model\t \u00a0locomotives,\t \u00a0paintings\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0trains\t \u00a0trundling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0tracks\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 green\t \u00a0hills\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0bridges.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0read,\t \u00a0LIFE\t \u00a0IS\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0TRAIN.\t \u00a0GET\t \u00a0 ON\t \u00a0BOARD.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0laid\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plan\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0first.\t \u00a0\\\"Men\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0easy,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 fingers\t \u00a0tapping\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mahogany\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0\\\"A\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0plumbing\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mind:\t \u00a0 simple,\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0surprises.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0ladies,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0hand...\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 thought\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plumbing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0couples.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Lucky\t \u00a0us,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Dr.\t \u00a0Rosen\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0notches\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0genuine.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lab\t \u00a0 slip\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0plastic\t \u00a0jar,\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0request\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0routine\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0tests.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 shook\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"Welcome\t \u00a0aboard,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0PASSED\t \u00a0WITH\t \u00a0FLYING\t \u00a0COLORS.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blur\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tests\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Soraya:\t \u00a0Basal\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0 temperatures,\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0tests\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0conceivable\t \u00a0hormone,\t \u00a0urine\t \u00a0tests,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0\\\"Cervical\t \u00a0Mucus\t \u00a0Test,\\\"\t \u00a0ultrasounds,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0tests,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0urine\t \u00a0 tests.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0underwent\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0procedure\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hysteroscopy-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Dr.\t \u00a0Rosen\t \u00a0inserted\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0telescope\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0uterus\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0around.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0 plumbing's\t \u00a0clear,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0announced,\t \u00a0snapping\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0latex\t \u00a0gloves.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0 calling\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0that-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010we\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0bathrooms.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tests\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0explained\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0explain\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0kids.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0apparently,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0unusual.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0\\\"Unexplained\t \u00a0Infertility.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0treatment\t \u00a0phase.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0drug\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0Clomiphene,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 hMG,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0series\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shots\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0herself.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0failed,\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Rosen\t \u00a0 advised\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0vitro\t \u00a0fertilization.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0received\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0polite\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0HMO,\t \u00a0wishing\t \u00a0 us\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0luck,\t \u00a0regretting\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cost.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0advance\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0received\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0novel\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0IVF\t \u00a0proved\t \u00a0 lengthy,\t \u00a0meticulous,\t \u00a0frustrating,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ultimately\t \u00a0unsuccessful.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0magazines\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Good\t \u00a0Housekeeping\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 Reader's\t \u00a0Digest,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0endless\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0gowns\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cold,\t \u00a0sterile\t \u00a0exam\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0 fluorescent\t \u00a0lights,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0repeated\t \u00a0humiliation\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0discussing\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0detail\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0sex\t \u00a0 life\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0total\t \u00a0stranger,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0injections\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0probes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0specimen\t \u00a0collections,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 went\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Rosen\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0trains.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0tapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0 \\\"adoption\\\"\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0cried\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0news\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0weekend\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0visit\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Rosen.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0picnic\t \u00a0chairs\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taheris'\t \u00a0backyard,\t \u00a0grilling\t \u00a0 trout\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sipping\t \u00a0yogurt\t \u00a0dogh.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0evening\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0March\t \u00a01991.\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0 Jamila\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0watered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0honeysuckles,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0fragrance\t \u00a0 mixed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cooking\t \u00a0fish.\t \u00a0Twice\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 chair\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0caress\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0\\\"God\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0best,\t \u00a0bachem.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0 meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tired,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew,\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 all.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0doctor\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0adopt,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0murmured.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 General\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0snapped\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barbecue\t \u00a0lid.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0 did?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0option,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We'd\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0adoption.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0ambivalent\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0best.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0silly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0vain,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0parents'\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0 \\\"but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0dreamed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 blood\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0nine\t \u00a0months,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0grow\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0 Without\t \u00a0that...\t \u00a0Is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0wrong?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0selfish?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0Soraya.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Because\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0shouldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0doubts\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0agreement.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0fair\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0 otherwise.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 way.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Now\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0\\\"Bachem,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0adoption...\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 sure\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0Afghans.\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0tiredly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0grow\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0natural\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0 are,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Nor\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0blame\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Sometimes,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0labored\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0provide\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0powerful\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0bachem,\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0anymore,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0thing,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0revved\t \u00a0up;\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0speeches.\t \u00a0\\\"Take\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 knew\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grandfather\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0great-\u00ad\u2010 grandfather\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0trace\t \u00a0generations\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ancestors\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010God\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0peace-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010came\t \u00a0 khastegari,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0hesitate.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0agreed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 ask\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0descendant\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 powerful\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0bachem,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0adopt,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0 you're\t \u00a0bringing\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Now,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0American,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0matter.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0marry\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 love,\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ancestry\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0equation.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0adopt\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0healthy,\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0happy.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 Afghans,\t \u00a0bachem.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fish\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0ready?\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Taheri's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0lingered\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 her.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0knee.\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0health\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 husband.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan?\\\"\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ledge,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0potted\t \u00a0geraniums\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 dripping\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0agree\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0Sahib.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Reassured,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grill.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0reasons\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0adopting.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0hers,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0his,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0someone,\t \u00a0somewhere,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 deny\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0fatherhood\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0punishment,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0justly\t \u00a0so.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be,\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Or,\t \u00a0maybe,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0FEW\t \u00a0MONTHS\t \u00a0LATER,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0advance\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0novel\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0payment\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pretty,\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010bedroom\t \u00a0Victorian\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Francisco's\t \u00a0 Bernal\t \u00a0Heights.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0peaked\t \u00a0roof,\t \u00a0hardwood\t \u00a0floors,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0backyard\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0 ended\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0deck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0pit.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0refinish\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 paint\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0bemoaned\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0moving\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0 especially\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0support\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0 get-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010oblivious\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fact\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0well-\u00ad\u2010intended\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0overbearing\t \u00a0sympathy\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 precisely\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0move.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SOMETIMES,\t \u00a0SORAYA\t \u00a0SLEEPING\t \u00a0NEXT\t \u00a0TO\t \u00a0ME,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 screen\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0swinging\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breeze,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crickets\t \u00a0chirping\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0emptiness\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0womb,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 living,\t \u00a0breathing\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seeped\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0marriage,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0emptiness,\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 laughs,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0lovemaking.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0darkness\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 feel\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0rising\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0settling\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0Sleeping\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0newborn\t \u00a0child.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 FOURTEEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 _June\t \u00a02001_\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0lowered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cradle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stared\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0 Aflatoon\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bark\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0quiet\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become.\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0muted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0television.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0pale,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0couch,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0housewarming\t \u00a0gift\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0apartment.\t \u00a0She'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 it\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Aflatoon's\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0nestled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0 pillows.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010watching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0PBS\t \u00a0special\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plight\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wolves\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Minnesota,\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010correcting\t \u00a0essays\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0summer-\u00ad\u2010school\t \u00a0class-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010she'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 teaching\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Aflatoon\t \u00a0leapt\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0couch.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0cocker\t \u00a0spaniel\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 name,\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0\\\"Plato,\\\"\t \u00a0because,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 enough\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dog's\t \u00a0filmy\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0swear\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0wise\t \u00a0 thoughts.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sliver\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fat,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hint\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 past\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0padded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curves\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hips\t \u00a0some,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0combed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0coal\t \u00a0 black\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0streaks\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cinder\t \u00a0gray.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Grand\t \u00a0Ball\t \u00a0 princess,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0bird-\u00ad\u2010in-\u00ad\u2010flight\t \u00a0eyebrows\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nose,\t \u00a0elegantly\t \u00a0curved\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0ancient\t \u00a0Arabic\t \u00a0writings.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0pale,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0repeated,\t \u00a0placing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0papers\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Pakistan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0\\\"Pakistan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0sick.\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0fist\t \u00a0clenched\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Kaka's\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0partner?\\\"\t \u00a0She'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 told\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Oh,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0Amir.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0close,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kid,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0grown-\u00ad\u2010up\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0friend.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pictured\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0drinking\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0 study,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0smoking\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sweetbrier-\u00ad\u2010scented\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0blowing\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0garden\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bending\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0columns\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0smoke.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0paused.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0gone?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0it...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0safe.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0Soraya.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 ask\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0along-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010fifteen\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0marriage\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0readers.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0 going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Should\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0alone.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0DROVE\t \u00a0TO\t \u00a0GOLDEN\t \u00a0GATE\t \u00a0PARK\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0Spreckels\t \u00a0Lake\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 northern\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0park.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0Sunday\t \u00a0afternoon;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0sparkled\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0dozens\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0miniature\t \u00a0boats\t \u00a0sailed,\t \u00a0propelled\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crisp\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0 Francisco\t \u00a0breeze.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0park\t \u00a0bench,\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0toss\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0football\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0 telling\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0sidearm\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kites,\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0tails.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0floated\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0park,\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windmills.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0comment\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 Made\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0passing,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0afterthought.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0scratchy\t \u00a0long-\u00ad\u2010distance\t \u00a0line,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0","parted,\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bottomless\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 hinted\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unspoken\t \u00a0secret\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0Except\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0knew.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0 suspicions\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 money,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lightning\t \u00a0bolt\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0known.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Come.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0Said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0passing,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0afterthought.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WHEN\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0CAME\t \u00a0HOME,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0\\\"Won't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0long,\t \u00a0 Madarjan.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0week,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0two...\t \u00a0Yes,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Padar\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Two\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0hip.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0migraines\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0emerging\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0bleary-\u00ad\u2010eyed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dazed,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 tripped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0carpet\t \u00a0edge.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0scream\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0Khala\t 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\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0general's\t \u00a0frailty-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0time-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010had\t \u00a0softened\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0walks\t \u00a0together,\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lunch\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Saturdays,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0 sometimes,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0classes.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 room,\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shiny\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0suit,\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0cane\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lap,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 Sometimes\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0notes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","THAT\t \u00a0NIGHT,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed,\t 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\u00a0Afghani\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Pakistani\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0brothers,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Muslims\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0Muslims\t \u00a0so...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0tuned\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0switched\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0polite\t \u00a0nodding\t \u00a0mode.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0 Peshawar\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01981.\t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0heading\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Jamrud\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Cantonment\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0lavish,\t \u00a0 high-\u00ad\u2010walled\t \u00a0homes.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bustle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0blurring\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 busier,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0version\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew,\t \u00a0particularly\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Kocheh\t \u00a0 Morgha,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0Chicken\t \u00a0Bazaar,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0chutney-\u00ad\u2010dipped\t \u00a0 potatoes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cherry\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0clogged\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0bicycle\t \u00a0riders,\t \u00a0milling\t \u00a0 pedestrians,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rickshaws\t \u00a0popping\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0smoke,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0weaving\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0maze\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 narrow\t \u00a0lanes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0alleys.\t \u00a0Bearded\t \u00a0vendors\t \u00a0draped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0blankets\t \u00a0sold\t \u00a0animal\t \u00a0 skin\t \u00a0lampshades,\t \u00a0carpets,\t \u00a0embroidered\t \u00a0shawls,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0copper\t \u00a0goods\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 small,\t \u00a0tightly\t \u00a0jammed\t \u00a0stalls.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0bursting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0sounds;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shouts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 vendors\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ears\t \u00a0mingled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blare\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0music,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sputtering\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 rickshaws,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jingling\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0horse-\u00ad\u2010drawn\t \u00a0carts.\t \u00a0Rich\t \u00a0scents,\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0pleasant\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0pleasant,\t \u00a0drifted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passenger\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spicy\t \u00a0 aroma\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pakora\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0nihari\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0blended\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sting\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 diesel\t \u00a0fumes,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stench\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rot,\t \u00a0garbage,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0feces.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0redbrick\t \u00a0buildings\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0University,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0entered\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 area\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0garrulous\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0referred\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0\\\"Afghan\t \u00a0Town.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0sweetshops\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 carpet\t \u00a0vendors,\t \u00a0kabob\t \u00a0stalls,\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0dirt-\u00ad\u2010caked\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0cigarettes,\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0 restaurants-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010maps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0painted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0windows-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010all\t \u00a0interlaced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 backstreet\t \u00a0aid\t \u00a0agencies.\t \u00a0\\\"Many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0brothers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0area,\t \u00a0yar.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 opening\t \u00a0businesses,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0poor.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tsk'ed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01981.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0good-\u00ad\u2010bye\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fled\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0embracing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer,\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0softly.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0arrived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0touch.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0speak\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0 sometimes,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0receiver.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spoken\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0death.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0news\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0called.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0spoken\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0connection.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 winding\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0intersected.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver,\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lone\t \u00a0suitcase,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0intricately\t \u00a0carved\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0balconies\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0 shutters-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010from\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0laundry\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0dry\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0","the\t \u00a0creaky\t \u00a0stairs\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dim\t \u00a0hallway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 right.\t \u00a0Checked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0address\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0piece\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stationery\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0palm.\t \u00a0Knocked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bones\t \u00a0pretending\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0 opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0CREATIVE\t \u00a0WRITING\t \u00a0TEACHER\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Jose\t \u00a0State\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0cliches:\t \u00a0 \\\"Avoid\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plague.\\\"\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0joke.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0class\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0 along\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0cliches\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bum\t \u00a0rap.\t \u00a0Because,\t \u00a0often,\t \u00a0 they're\t \u00a0dead-\u00ad\u2010on.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aptness\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cliched\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0overshadowed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 nature\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cliche.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0example,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0\\\"elephant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\\\"\t \u00a0saying.\t \u00a0 Nothing\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0correctly\t \u00a0describe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0initial\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0reunion\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wispy\t \u00a0mattress\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0 overlooking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0noisy\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0below.\t \u00a0Sunlight\t \u00a0slanted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cast\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0triangular\t \u00a0 wedge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0rug\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0folding\t \u00a0chairs\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0copper\t \u00a0samovar\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0opposite\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0me?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0map\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 called\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0information\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0cities\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Northern\t \u00a0California,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0wonderfully\t \u00a0 strange\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0man.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0sugar\t \u00a0cubes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 bitter,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered.\t \u00a0\\\"Baba\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0 fifteen\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truth\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cancer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0brain\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0forgetful,\t \u00a0negligent.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0married?\t \u00a0To\t \u00a0whom?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Her\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0Taheri.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0worrying\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0glad\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Taheri...\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0she?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0brightened.\t \u00a0\\\"Oh,\t \u00a0yes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0Isn't\t \u00a0General\t \u00a0 Taheri\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0jan's\t \u00a0sister?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0name...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Jamila\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Balay!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0Sharif\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0America.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0working\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0handles\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0cases.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Haiiii,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0children?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0slurped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0more;\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0instinctive\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0met.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0job,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flea\t \u00a0market,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0how,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0died\t \u00a0happy.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0schooling,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0books-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010four\t \u00a0published\t \u00a0novels\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0credit\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0doubt.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010bound\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 didn't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0notebook.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0conversation\t \u00a0inevitably\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hear?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0worse.\t \u00a0Much\t \u00a0worse,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"They\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0human.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0scar\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0cutting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crooked\t \u00a0path\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bushy\t \u00a0 eyebrow.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0game\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Ghazi\t \u00a0Stadium\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01998.\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010 i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0players\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0allowed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wear\t \u00a0shorts.\t \u00a0 Indecent\t \u00a0exposure,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0guess.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0laugh.\t \u00a0\\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0scored\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0goal\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0cheered\t \u00a0loudly.\t \u00a0Suddenly\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0patrolling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisles,\t \u00a0eighteen\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0butt\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Kalashnikov.\t \u00a0 'Do\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0tongue,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0donkey!'\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0 rubbed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0scar\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gnarled\t \u00a0finger.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grandfather\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0gushing\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0apologizing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dog.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0more.\t \u00a0Much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0 already,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0not.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0arranged\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0since\t \u00a01981-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010this\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0about.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0\\\"sold\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fled\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0 days,\t \u00a0Afghanistan's\t \u00a0troubles\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0temporary\t \u00a0interruption\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 life-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0parties\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0picnics\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Paghman\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0surely\t \u00a0return.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 until\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0how,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Northern\t \u00a0Alliance\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a01992\t \u00a0and\t \u00a01996,\t \u00a0different\t \u00a0factions\t \u00a0claimed\t \u00a0different\t \u00a0parts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shar-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Nau\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kerteh-\u00ad\u2010Parwan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0carpet,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 risked\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sniper\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0blown\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rocket-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0checkpoints,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0practically\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0visa\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 neighborhood\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0stayed\t \u00a0put,\t \u00a0prayed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0rocket\t \u00a0 wouldn't\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0home.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0holes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0homes\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0bypass\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dangerous\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0block\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hole.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0parts,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0underground\t \u00a0 tunnels.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0leave?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Kabul\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0snickered.\t \u00a0\\\"Remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 went\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Qishla,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0military\t \u00a0barracks\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Istiqial**\t \u00a0 School?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shortcut\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0school.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 crossed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0teased\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0cried\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cinema\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Alliance\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0 danced\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0street,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"And,\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0celebrating\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0_Chaman_,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Deh-\u00ad\u2010Mazang,\t \u00a0greeting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\t \u00a0 climbing\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0tanks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0posing\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0pictures\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0constant\t \u00a0fighting,\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rockets,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gunfire,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0explosions,\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 watching\t \u00a0Gulbuddin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cohorts\t \u00a0firing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0moved.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Alliance\t \u00a0 did\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0damage\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0destroyed\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0 orphanage,\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Why\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0destroy\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0 sitting\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0 off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0caracul\t \u00a0hat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0laughed,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0clapped\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 delivered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0speech.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rubble.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spent,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0nights\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0sweated\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blueprints,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0visits\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0construction\t \u00a0site\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0brick,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0beam,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0block\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 laid\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0right...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Collateral\t \u00a0damage,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0sifting\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rubble\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0orphanage.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0 parts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0children...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0came...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0heroes,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Peace\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0strange\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0Peace\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0price?\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0violent\t \u00a0 coughing\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0gripped\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rocked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gaunt\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spat\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0handkerchief,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0immediately\t \u00a0stained\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0address\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0elephant\t \u00a0sweating\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0 room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0really,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Dying,\t \u00a0actually,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gurgling\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0Another\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0coughing.\t \u00a0 More\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0handkerchief.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0blotted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sweaty\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0wasted\t \u00a0temple\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sleeve,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0quick\t \u00a0glance.\t \u00a0","When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Not\t \u00a0long,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 breathed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0long?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0shrugged.\t \u00a0Coughed\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 summer,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0doctor.\t \u00a0They're\t \u00a0 coming\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0treatments\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0drugs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 experimental\t \u00a0treatments,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0enroll\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one...\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rambling\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 knew\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0crying,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chuff\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0laughter,\t \u00a0revealed\t \u00a0missing\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0incisors.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 most\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0heard.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0infused\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 optimism\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0great.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0We're\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0melancholic\t \u00a0 people,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0Afghans,\t \u00a0aren't\t \u00a0we?\t \u00a0Often,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0wallow\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0ghamkhori\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 self-\u00ad\u2010pity.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0loss,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0suffering,\t \u00a0accept\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fact\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 necessary.\t \u00a0Zendagi\t \u00a0migzara,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0goes\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0surrendering\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 fate\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0pragmatic.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0doctors\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0answer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0trust\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0will.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0do,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0sounded\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0much.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0will,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0paused.\t \u00a0\\\"Besides,\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0 another\t \u00a0reason\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0yes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anything.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0left?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hassan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spoken\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name?\t \u00a0Those\t \u00a0 thorny\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0barbs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0bore\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 broken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0spell,\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0torment\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anew.\t \u00a0Suddenly\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0 Khan's\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0flat\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0thick,\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hot,\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0rich\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0writing\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wrong?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0truth\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0lie\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0yes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0settled\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0between.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 don't\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0coughed\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0patch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0handkerchief.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0bent\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0spit,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0honey-\u00ad\u2010crusted\t \u00a0sores\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0scalp.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0 because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0understand?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0murmured.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0everything.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0 listen?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0sipped\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0Rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SIXTEEN\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0reasons\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hazarajat\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01986.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 biggest\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0lonely.\t \u00a0By\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0relatives\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0either\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0escaped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Pakistan\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 Iran.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0anymore,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 entire\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Everybody\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fled.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Karteh\t \u00a0Parwan\t \u00a0section-\u00ad\u2010 -\u00ad\u2010where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0melon\t \u00a0vendors\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hang\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 spot?-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0recognize\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0greet,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0chai,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0share\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0with,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0Roussi\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0patrolling\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0streets.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0eventually,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0spend\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0study,\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0books,\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0news,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0communist\t \u00a0 propaganda\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0television.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0natnaz,\t \u00a0cook\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0eat,\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0 some\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0rise\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0pray,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arthritis,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0maintain\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0aching-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shake\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stiffness\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0joints,\t \u00a0especially\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0wintertime.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0your\t 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\u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0 squatting\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0placing\t \u00a0dough\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0spatula\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 slapping\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0_tandoor_.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dough\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0kissing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0now-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0toes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Bamiyan\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0toughened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 skin,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0shades\t \u00a0darker\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 few\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0sparse\t \u00a0strands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin.\t \u00a0Other\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0 that,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0scar\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0 face,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0affable\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0recognized\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0inside.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0light-\u00ad\u2010skinned\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0woman,\t \u00a0sewing\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0shawl\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0visibly\t \u00a0expecting.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wife,\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0proudly.\t \u00a0\\\"Her\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shy\t \u00a0 woman,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0courteous\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0higher\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whisper\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0raise\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0hazel\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0throne\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0_Arg_.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"When\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0coming?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0settled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0adobe\t \u00a0 room.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0frayed\t \u00a0rug,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0dishes,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 mattresses,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lantern.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0winter,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0praying\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0carry\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0name.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Speaking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0he?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cousin-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 owned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0Bamiyan.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0Is\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dying,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 some\t \u00a0crazy\t \u00a0reason,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0absolutely\t \u00a0certain\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0leg-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 his\t \u00a0twisted\t \u00a0polio\t \u00a0leg-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0betrayed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0 mine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0deeply\t \u00a0saddened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0died.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 together,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0remember.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0little,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0polio\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0died.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0crying.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farzana\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0shorwa\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0beans,\t \u00a0turnips,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0potatoes.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0washed\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dipped\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0_naan_\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tandoor\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shorwa-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 best\t \u00a0meal\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0months.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0 anymore.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0_khanum_\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 comfortable.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0Later,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0washed\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0served\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0grapes,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0village\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0now;\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0themselves\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And\t \u00a0Bamiyan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0close.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0Forgive\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0 Khan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0understand.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0apologize\t \u00a0for.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understand.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0midway\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0shorwa\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0more.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 many\t \u00a0questions\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Had\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0married?\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0children?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0fly\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cinema?\t \u00a0Were\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0happy?\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0befriended\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Bamiyan\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0write.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wrote\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0letter,\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0back?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0 conversations\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0mostly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 answer\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0","buried\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wept\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0insisted\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0spend\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0fixed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cot\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 left\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0case\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0thirsty.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0whispering\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0sobbing.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0zendagi,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0presumptuous\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drop\t \u00a0everything.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0needs\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0forgiven.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drop,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0puffy.\t \u00a0\\\"We'll\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0We'll\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 house.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0absolutely\t \u00a0sure?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Agha\t \u00a0sahib\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0father...\t \u00a0 God\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0peace.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0piled\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0center\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0rags\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 corners\t \u00a0together.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0loaded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bundle\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Buick.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 threshold\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0discovered\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0intention\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 moving\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0empty,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0them,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0not.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0ihtiram,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0respect.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hut\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 born.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pleaded\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guest\t \u00a0bedrooms\t \u00a0upstairs,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0","Hassan\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0think?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0comes\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0finds\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0assumed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house?\\\"\t \u00a0Then,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mourning\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 wore\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0forty\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cooking,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 cleaning.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0tended\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flowers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garden,\t \u00a0soaked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roots,\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0 yellowing\t \u00a0leaves,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0rosebushes.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0painted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 swept\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0slept\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cleaned\t \u00a0bathrooms\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 bathed\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0preparing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0someone's\t \u00a0return.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0corn\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0planted,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan?\t \u00a0 What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0\\\"the\t \u00a0Wall\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Ailing\t \u00a0Corn\\\"?\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0rocket\t \u00a0destroyed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 whole\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0fall.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0rebuilt\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0brick\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0brick,\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0stood'\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0fall,\t \u00a0 Farzana\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stillborn\t \u00a0baby\t \u00a0girl.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baby's\t \u00a0lifeless\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard,\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sweetbrier\t \u00a0bushes.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0mound\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0leaves\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poplar\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0 stayed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hut\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wailed-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heartbreaking\t \u00a0sound,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wailing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0raging.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 us,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0haven\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0vision\t \u00a0 started\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0late\t \u00a01980s,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0books.\t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stove,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 _Masnawi_\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0_Khayyam_,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0cooked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flower\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0mound\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sweetbrier\t \u00a0bushes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0early\t \u00a01990,\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0pregnant\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0burqa\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0morning.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gates,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0swaying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0weak\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0stand.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0wanted,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 she\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0answer.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0collapsed\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 yelled\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0carry\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0burqa.\t \u00a0Beneath\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0toothless\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0stringy\t \u00a0graying\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sores\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0arms.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 not\t \u00a0eaten\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0worst\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 knife\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slashes\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cuts\t \u00a0 went\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0cheekbone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hairline\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0spared\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0grotesque.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wet\t \u00a0cloth\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Hassan?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0whispered.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0squeezed\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Her\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 beautiful\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flesh\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0dreams.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0more.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0 pulled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0scarred\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Smile\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Please.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0wept.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0 anyone\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0 even\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 None\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0Sanaubar\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0eloped\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0band\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0singers\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0dancers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01964,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0her,\t \u00a0 Amir,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0youth,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0vision.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dimpled\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 drove\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0crazy.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street,\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman,\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0once.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0now...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand\t 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\u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0running.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 nearly\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0tournaments\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 too\t \u00a0long-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0scattered\t \u00a0tournaments.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0prop\t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0trotting\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0 kites,\t \u00a0climbing\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0dropped.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0remember,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 good\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0runner\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was?\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0At\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0winter,\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0hang\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0main\t \u00a0hallway.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0paintings.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0celebrated\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01996\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 put\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0daily\t \u00a0fighting.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0finding\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen,\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0radio.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sober\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrong,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"God\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Hazaras\t \u00a0 now,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0Hassan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"There's\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0peace,\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0happiness\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0calm.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0rockets,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0killing,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0funerals!\\\"\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0radio\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0banned\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0fighting.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a01998,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0massacred\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Hazaras\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SEVENTEEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0uncrossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wary,\t \u00a0deliberate\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0movement\t \u00a0triggers\t \u00a0spikes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0 Outside,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0donkey\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0braying\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shouting\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Urdu.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0beginning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0set,\t \u00a0glittering\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cracks\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 ramshackle\t \u00a0buildings.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0enormity\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 following\t \u00a0summer.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0names\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head:\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0Sohrab,\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0Farzana,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 Sanaubar.\t \u00a0Hearing\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0speak\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0finding\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0dusty\t \u00a0 music\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0years;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0melody\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0 immediately:\t \u00a0Who\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0today,\t \u00a0Babalu?\t \u00a0Who\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0eat,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0slant-\u00ad\u2010eyed\t \u00a0 Babalu?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0conjure\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0frozen\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tranquil\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 time\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0greedy\t \u00a0thing-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010sometimes\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0steals\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0details\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0itself.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0now?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teacup\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0parched\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sip.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0 fished\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0envelope\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breast\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0vest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"For\t \u00a0 you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0tore\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sealed\t \u00a0envelope.\t \u00a0Inside,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0photograph\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 folded\t \u00a0letter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stared\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photograph\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0minute.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0turban\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0green-\u00ad\u2010striped\t \u00a0chapan\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wrought-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0gates.\t \u00a0Sunlight\t \u00a0slanted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t 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\u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0 Looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0concluded\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0right:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0recognized\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bumped\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0foot,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 arm\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0thigh,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shaved\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 father's\t \u00a0hip.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0grinning\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0squinting.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0unfolded\t \u00a0the\t 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\u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha.\t \u00a0Some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 nightmares,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0hanged\t \u00a0corpses\t \u00a0rotting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0fields\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0blood-\u00ad\u2010red\t \u00a0grass.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wake\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sweaty.\t \u00a0Mostly,\t \u00a0though,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 things,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0praise\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0sahib\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0well.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 dream\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0grow\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0person,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0person,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 important\t \u00a0person.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0lawla\t \u00a0flowers\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0bloom\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0 again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rubab\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0samovar\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0fly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 skies.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0someday\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0return\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0revisit\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0childhood.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0faithful\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 May\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0always.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 -\u00ad\u2010Hassan\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0twice.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0note\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photograph\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0 minute.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pocketed\t \u00a0both.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0he?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Peshawar,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0arrived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0received\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0telephone\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neighbors\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0story:\t \u00a0Soon\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0leave,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rumor\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 Hazara\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Taliban\t \u00a0claim.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0officials\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0investigate\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0interrogated\t \u00a0 Hassan.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0accused\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 even\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighbors,\t \u00a0including\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0supported\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0story.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0liar\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thief\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0Hazaras\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 ordered\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0sundown.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0protested.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neighbor\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0like-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010how\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 say\t \u00a0it?-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010yes,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0'wolves\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flock\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sheep.'\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0moving\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0supposedly\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0return.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0protested\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 So\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0breathed.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0order\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0kneel-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\\\"No.\t \u00a0God,\t \u00a0no.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0head.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Farzana\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0attacked\t \u00a0them-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\\\"No.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010shot\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0Self-\u00ad\u2010defense,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0claimed\t \u00a0later-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0whisper\t \u00a0\\\"No.\t \u00a0No.\t \u00a0No\\\"\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0KEPT\t \u00a0THINKING\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0THAT\t \u00a0DAY\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01974,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0harelip\t \u00a0surgery.\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0huddled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0examine\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handheld\t \u00a0mirror.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0 everyone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0either\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0dying.\t \u00a0Except\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0herringbone\t \u00a0vest\t \u00a0pressing\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0muzzle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Kalashnikov\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0blast\t \u00a0echoes\t \u00a0 through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0slumps\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0asphalt,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 unrequited\t \u00a0loyalty\t \u00a0drifting\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windblown\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0chase.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0pretext\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0evicted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trespasser.\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farzana's\t \u00a0murders\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 dismissed\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0case\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0self-\u00ad\u2010defense.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 fear\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0risk\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Hazara\t \u00a0servants.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Sohrab?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0tired,\t \u00a0drained.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0coughing\t \u00a0 fit\t \u00a0gripped\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0flushed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0bloodshot.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0 somewhere\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Karteh\t \u00a0Seh.\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0coughing\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 stopped,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0aging\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0 coughing\t \u00a0fit.\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0summoned\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0die,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0all.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0struggled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0deal\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fact\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dead.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0husband\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Thomas\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0Caldwell.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0Christians\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 small\t \u00a0charity\t \u00a0organization\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0private\t \u00a0donations.\t \u00a0Mostly\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0feed\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0parents.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 place.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It's\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0safe,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0cared\t \u00a0for,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0 Caldwell\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 welcome\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0serious.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Children\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0fragile,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0another.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sohrab\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gifted\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0hope,\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Thomas\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0khanum\t \u00a0 is\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0kind,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0treats\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0orphans.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go?\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0money.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0Amir!\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0roared.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dying\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 will\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0insulted!\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 why\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0we?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0comment,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0 well.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0career,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dangerous\t \u00a0place,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0risk\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0for...\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 stopped.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"one\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0talking.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0worried\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 those\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0'Rahim,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 himself\t \u00a0becomes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0anything.'\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wonder,\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0 you've\t \u00a0become?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0asking\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0grant\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0dying\t \u00a0wish,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 gravely.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gambled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0comment.\t \u00a0Played\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0card.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0 then.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0limbo\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0known\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0searching\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0words,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0writer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0Finally,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 settled\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0\\\"Maybe\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0right.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Amir.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"If\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0toyed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0ring.\t \u00a0\\\"You've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0highly\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0yourself.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hesitated.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0 there's\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Please,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sanaubar\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0wife.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Jaghori\t \u00a0area.\t \u00a0 This\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0born.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0years.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"She\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0childless\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Khost.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0 bore\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0daughters.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0California,\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0Victorian\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0peaked\t \u00a0roof,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 marriage,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0promising\t \u00a0writing\t \u00a0career,\t \u00a0in-\u00ad\u2010laws\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0shit.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Ali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sterile,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wasn't.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sanaubar\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0they?\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 Hassan-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0didn't,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0did!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0didn't,\t \u00a0Amir.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0who-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0who.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0sliding\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0steep\t \u00a0cliff,\t \u00a0clutching\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0shrubs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tangles\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0brambles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0empty-\u00ad\u2010handed.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0swooping\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 down,\t \u00a0swaying\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0know?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 feel\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0Shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0bastards,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0Stood\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0bastards!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 screamed.\t \u00a0\\\"All\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0bunch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0bastards!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0down,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hide\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bellowed.\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shameful\t \u00a0situation.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0talk.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0honor,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0 talked...\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0anyone,\t \u00a0surely\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0shed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0Headed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0please\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0leave.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Why?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0possibly\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 me?\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0thirty-\u00ad\u2010eight\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0 fucking\t \u00a0lie!\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0possibly\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0better?\t \u00a0Nothing.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 goddamn\t \u00a0thing!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stormed\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0apartment.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","EIGHTEEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0swathed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0smothers\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0busy,\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0building.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0noisy\t \u00a0lane\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0maze\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0alleyways\t \u00a0choked\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pedestrians,\t \u00a0 bicycles,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rickshaws.\t \u00a0Billboards\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0corners,\t \u00a0advertising\t \u00a0Coca-\u00ad\u2010Cola\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 cigarettes;\t \u00a0Hollywood\t \u00a0movie\t \u00a0posters\t \u00a0displayed\t \u00a0sultry\t \u00a0actresses\t \u00a0dancing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 handsome,\t 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\u00a0I\t \u00a0 hadn't?\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0family,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0 no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0cared\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 Hazara\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0not.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0so.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 home,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0career,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pack\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0actions\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0cost\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0things?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0oblivion.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0revealed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0things.\t \u00a0Made\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a01975,\t \u00a0dating\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0nursing\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cycle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lies,\t \u00a0 betrayals,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0secrets.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cycle.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 With\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy.\t \u00a0An\t \u00a0orphan.\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0Somewhere\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ON\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0RICKSHAW\t \u00a0RIDE\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0apartment,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 saying\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0problem\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fighting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0thirty-\u00ad\u2010eight\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0receding\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0streaked\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0gray,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lately\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 traced\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0crow's-\u00ad\u2010feet\t \u00a0etched\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corners\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0fighting.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lied\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0lied\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0brother's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0once,\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Waiting.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0FOUND\t \u00a0RAHIM\t \u00a0KHAN\t \u00a0praying\t \u00a0_namaz_\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dark\t \u00a0silhouette\t \u00a0bowing\t \u00a0eastward\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blood-\u00ad\u2010red\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 finish.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0Told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Caldwells\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 morning.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 NINETEEN\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Again,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0sickness.\t \u00a0By\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bullet-\u00ad\u2010riddled\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 read\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0KHYBER\t \u00a0PASS\t \u00a0WELCOMES\t \u00a0YOU,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0begun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0 Something\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0churned\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0twisted.\t \u00a0Farid,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0driver,\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cold\t \u00a0glance.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0empathy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tucked\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0remaining\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 left\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steering\t \u00a0wheel.\t \u00a0Keeping\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 road,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0stooped\t \u00a0forward,\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0screwdriver\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 handed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stuck\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0handle\t \u00a0 belonged\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0dismissive\t \u00a0look,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hint\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0 suppressed\t \u00a0animosity,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0smoking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0departed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Jamrud\t \u00a0Fort.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tashakor,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 cold\t \u00a0mid-\u00ad\u2010afternoon\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0rush\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tribal\t \u00a0lands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Pass,\t \u00a0winding\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0cliffs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shale\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0limestone,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remembered\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0driven\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0terrain\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01974.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0arid,\t \u00a0imposing\t \u00a0mountains\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0gorges\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0soared\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0jagged\t \u00a0peaks.\t \u00a0 Old\t \u00a0fortresses,\t \u00a0adobe-\u00ad\u2010walled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0crumbling,\t \u00a0topped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crags.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 eyes\t \u00a0glued\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snowcapped\t \u00a0Hindu\t \u00a0Kush\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0north\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 stomach\t \u00a0settled\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0skidded\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0turn,\t \u00a0rousing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 fresh\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0nausea.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Try\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lemon.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Lemon.\t \u00a0Good\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sickness,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 drive.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mere\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0adding\t \u00a0acidity\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 stomach\t \u00a0stirred\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0nausea.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0snickered.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0fancy\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0 medicine,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0remedy\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0regretted\t \u00a0blowing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"In\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0case,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0some.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0grabbed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backseat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0plucked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0lemon\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0better,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lied.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0Afghan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0miserable\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0rude.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0weak\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Old\t \u00a0Watani\t \u00a0trick,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0fancy\t \u00a0medicine,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0tone\t \u00a0bordered\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0surly.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ash\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0self-\u00ad\u2010satisfied\t \u00a0 look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rearview\t \u00a0mirror.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Tajik,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lanky,\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0weather-\u00ad\u2010 beaten\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0shoulders,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0punctuated\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0protruding\t \u00a0 Adam's\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0peeked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0suppose\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0 around:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rough-\u00ad\u2010woven\t \u00a0wool\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0pirhan-\u00ad\u2010tumban\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 vest.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0pakol,\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Tajik\t \u00a0 hero\t \u00a0Ahmad\t \u00a0Shah\t \u00a0Massoud-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010referred\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Tajiks\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0\\\"the\t \u00a0Lion\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Panjsher.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0introduced\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0twenty-\u00ad\u2010nine,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wary,\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0twenty\t \u00a0 years\t \u00a0older.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0born\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0ten.\t \u00a0At\t \u00a0fourteen,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 joined\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jihad\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Panjsher\t \u00a0Valley\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0helicopter\t \u00a0gunfire\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0torn\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pieces.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0wives\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0children.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seven,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 rueful\t \u00a0look,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0youngest\t \u00a0girls\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0 blast\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0explosion\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0severed\t \u00a0toes\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 feet\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wives\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 children\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Checkpoint,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0grumbled.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0seat,\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0 across\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0forgetting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0nausea.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0needn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 worried.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0Pakistani\t \u00a0militia\t \u00a0approached\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0dilapidated\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0Cruiser,\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cursory\t \u00a0glance\t \u00a0inside,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0list\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0preparations\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0made,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0list\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0included\t \u00a0exchanging\t \u00a0dollars\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Kaldar\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Afghani\t \u00a0bills,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0garment\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 pakol-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010ironically,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0either\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0finally,\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0important\t \u00a0 item:\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0artificial\t \u00a0beard,\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0length,\t \u00a0Shari'a\t \u00a0friendly-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010or\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Taliban\t \u00a0version\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Shari'a.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 specialized\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0weaving\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Western\t \u00a0journalists\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 war.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0plan\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0thoroughly.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0possible.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 change\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0deliberate,\t \u00a0ruminate,\t \u00a0agonize,\t \u00a0rationalize,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 talk\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0going.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0appeal\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 draw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0wade\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0great,\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0river\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0 forget,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0sink\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bottom.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 afraid\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0waters\t \u00a0carry\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do.\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 From\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0calling.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 redemption.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0possibility\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0happening.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Soraya,\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0option.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0booked\t \u00a0herself\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0flight\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Pakistan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0border\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0signs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0poverty\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0everywhere.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0 either\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0chains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0villages\t \u00a0sprouting\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 discarded\t \u00a0toys\t \u00a0among\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rocks,\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0huts\t \u00a0consisting\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0poles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tattered\t \u00a0cloth\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0roof.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0 dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0rags\t \u00a0chasing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0huts.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0spotted\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0cluster\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0haunches,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0crows,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0carcass\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0burned-\u00ad\u2010out\t \u00a0Soviet\t \u00a0tank,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0fluttering\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edges\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blankets\t \u00a0 thrown\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0burqa\t \u00a0carried\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0 clay\t \u00a0pot\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rutted\t \u00a0path\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0houses.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Strange,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tourist\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0country,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0goatherd\t \u00a0 leading\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010dozen\t \u00a0emaciated\t \u00a0goats\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0snickered.\t \u00a0Tossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 country?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0will,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0defensively\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 intended.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"After\t \u00a0twenty\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0swerving\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 avoid\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pothole\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0size\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beach\t \u00a0ball.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0snickered\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Never\t \u00a0mind,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0murmured.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0rearview\t \u00a0mirror,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0flash\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 know?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sneered.\t \u00a0\\\"Let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0imagine,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010\t \u00a0 or\t \u00a0three-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nice\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0yard\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0gardener\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0flowers\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0gated,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 servants,\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0Hazaras.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0hired\t \u00a0workers\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0decorate\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fancy\t \u00a0mehmanis\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0threw,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0boast\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0travels\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Europe\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0bet\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0 son's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pakol.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0grinned\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0 revealing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mouthful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0prematurely\t \u00a0rotting\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0\\\"Am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0close?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0things?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Because\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spat.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0ragged\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0trudging\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0path,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0burlap\t \u00a0pack\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0scrub\t \u00a0 grass\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0\\\"That's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Afghanistan\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0You?\t \u00a0You've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tourist\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0 it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0warned\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0expect\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0welcome\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Afghanistan\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stayed\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wars.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0","about\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0daughters,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0hand.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 coming\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0anyway?\t \u00a0Sell\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0land?\t \u00a0Pocket\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0died\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0Said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Pull\t \u00a0over.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Pull\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0it!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0sick.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tumbled\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 truck\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gravel\t \u00a0alongside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 BY\t \u00a0LATE\t \u00a0AFTERNOON,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0terrain\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sun-\u00ad\u2010beaten\t \u00a0peaks\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0barren\t \u00a0cliffs\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0greener,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0rural\t \u00a0landscape.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0main\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 descended\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Landi\t \u00a0Kotal\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Shinwari\t \u00a0territory\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Landi\t \u00a0Khana.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0 entered\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Torkham.\t \u00a0Pine\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0flanked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0fewer\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remembered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0bare,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 arduous\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Pass.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0closer\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0capital\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0state\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0Nangarhar,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0renowned\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0climate.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0 past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0buildings\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stone\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city's\t \u00a0central\t \u00a0district.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 many\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0homes\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 reduced\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0roofless\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0piles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0twisted\t \u00a0clay.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0unpaved\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0Cruiser\t \u00a0 along\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dried-\u00ad\u2010up\t \u00a0gutter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck,\t \u00a0stretched,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winds\t \u00a0swept\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0irrigated\t \u00a0plains\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0farmers\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0sugarcane,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0impregnated\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city's\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sweet\t \u00a0 scent.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0searched\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sweetness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let's\t \u00a0go,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0impatiently.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0 leafless\t \u00a0poplars\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dilapidated\t \u00a0 one-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0woodplank\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0ocean-\u00ad\u2010green\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0scarf\t \u00a0draped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0peeked\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0first,\t \u00a0flinched,\t \u00a0spotted\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Farid!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam,\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0replied\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0denied\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0day:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kiss\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0top\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0eyeing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0apprehensively\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0adobe\t \u00a0ceiling\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0low,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0entirely\t \u00a0bare,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0 came\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lanterns\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0shoes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0straw\t \u00a0mat\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0Along\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0 boys,\t \u00a0cross-\u00ad\u2010legged,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mattress\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0shredded\t \u00a0borders.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0broad\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0greet\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0hugged\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cheek.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0introduced\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Wahid,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 older\t \u00a0brother.\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0America,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Wahid,\t \u00a0flicking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thumb\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0greet\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Wahid\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 ambushed\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulders.\t \u00a0Despite\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0protests,\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0ordered\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fetch\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0comfortable\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 Peshawar,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Pass.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0dozds,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Pass\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0famous\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0terrain\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bandits\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0terrain\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0rob\t \u00a0travelers.\t \u00a0 Before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0winked\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loud\t \u00a0voice,\t \u00a0\\\"Of\t \u00a0course\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0dozd\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0waste\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0ugly\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0brother's.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0wrestled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smallest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tickled\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ribs\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0kid\t \u00a0giggled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kicked.\t \u00a0\\\"At\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0car,\\\"\t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0panted.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0donkey\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0days?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0donkey\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0car.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Khar\t \u00a0khara\t \u00a0mishnassah,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Takes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0donkey\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 donkey.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0female\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0adjoining\t \u00a0 room.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat.\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0 wearing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hijab-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010presumably\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010were\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0pouring\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kettle\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pot.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha?\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0writer,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0chuckle\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0writer?\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0clearly\t \u00a0impressed.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 Afghanistan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0currently,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0novel,\t \u00a0_A\t \u00a0Season\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Ashes_,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0university\t \u00a0professor\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0joins\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clan\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gypsies\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 finds\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0students.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0book.\t \u00a0Some\t \u00a0 reviewers\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0\\\"good\\\"\t \u00a0book,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0 \\\"riveting.\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hoped\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0about.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0again,\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Tell\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0country.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0not...\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0writer.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0nodding\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blushing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0best,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course.\t \u00a0 It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0suggest...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0"]
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