The-Kite-Runner

["\u00a0 Just\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 cups\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0teapot\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0platter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0respect,\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bowed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0woman,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hijab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0conceal\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0 bowed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0\\\"Salaam,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0replied\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0audible\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0contact.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steaming\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0exited\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 room,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0disappeared.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 sipped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0strong\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0tea.\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0uneasy\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0brings\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0brings\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0dear\t \u00a0brother?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 speaking\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0fixing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0contemptuous\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bas!\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0thing,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Sell\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0land,\t \u00a0sell\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0 collect\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mouse.\t \u00a0Go\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0spend\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 money\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0vacation\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Mexico.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Farid!\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0roared.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0children,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0Farid,\t \u00a0flinched.\t \u00a0\\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 forgotten\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0manners?\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0house!\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0guest\t \u00a0tonight\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 will\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0allow\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0dishonor\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0reconsidered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 nothing.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0muttered\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 crossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mutilated\t \u00a0foot\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0accusing\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Forgive\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha,\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Since\t \u00a0childhood,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0brother's\t \u00a0 mouth\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0ahead\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fault,\t \u00a0really,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0intense\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 am\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0offended.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0explained\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Afghanistan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sell\t \u00a0property.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0boy,\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0repeated.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fished\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shirt.\t \u00a0Seeing\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0 picture\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0tore\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0scab\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0death.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Wahid.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0studied\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo.\t \u00a0Looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0boy?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"This\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"His\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo.\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Wahid\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0yours?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0instinct\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0yes,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0level,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 protect\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0secret.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0lies\t \u00a0already.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010 brother.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0swallowed.\t \u00a0Added,\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0illegitimate\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0brother.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teacup.\t \u00a0 Toyed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0handle.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pry.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0prying,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Wahid\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0honorable\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0true\t \u00a0Afghan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0cringed\t \u00a0inside.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0tonight,\\\"\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0chanced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glance\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Farid.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 frayed\t \u00a0edges\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0straw\t \u00a0mat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0SHORT\t \u00a0WHILE\t \u00a0LATER,\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0steaming\t \u00a0bowls\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0vegetable\t \u00a0shorwa\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0loaves\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bread.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0offer\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0meat,\\\"\t \u00a0 Wahid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Only\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0afford\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"This\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0wonderful,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kids,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0eaten\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0arrived.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 sleeves,\t \u00a0dipped\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0bread\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shorwa,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ate,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0Wahid's\t \u00a0boys,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0dirtcaked\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 short-\u00ad\u2010cropped\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0skullcaps,\t \u00a0stealing\t \u00a0furtive\t \u00a0glances\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 digital\t \u00a0wristwatch.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0youngest\t \u00a0whispered\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother's\t \u00a0ear.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 brother\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0oldest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0 guessed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0age\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0twelve-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010rocked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gaze\t \u00a0glued\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 wrist.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0dinner,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0washed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0Maryam\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clay\t \u00a0pot,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Wahid's\t \u00a0permission\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hadia,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gift.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0no,\t \u00a0but,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0insisted,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0reluctantly\t \u00a0agreed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0unsnapped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wristwatch\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0youngest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0boys.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0muttered\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sheepish\t \u00a0\\\"Tashakor.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0tells\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0 politely,\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0turns\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0 interest\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0soon,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0abandoned\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0straw\t \u00a0mat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0COULD\t \u00a0HAVE\t \u00a0TOLD\t \u00a0ME,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0 next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0straw\t \u00a0mats\t \u00a0Wahid's\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0what?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rough\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 heard\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0ask,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0ask.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Curled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Maybe\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Farid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0assume.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"Don't\t \u00a0worry.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 HIS\t \u00a0HANDS\t \u00a0ARE\t \u00a0TIED\t \u00a0BEHIND\t \u00a0HIM\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0roughly\t \u00a0woven\t \u00a0rope\t \u00a0cutting\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 flesh\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wrists.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0blindfolded\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0cloth.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0kneeling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street,\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gutter\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0water,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0drooping\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0","shoulders.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bleed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 rocks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0prayer.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0shadow\t \u00a0sways\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0gravel.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0muttering\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0closer.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0 times\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0mutters.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0over.\t \u00a0Back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0rocks.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0lifts\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0faint\t \u00a0scar\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barrel\t \u00a0first.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0tall,\t \u00a0 dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0herringbone\t \u00a0vest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0turban.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 blindfolded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0vast,\t \u00a0cavernous\t \u00a0 emptiness.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0takes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0raises\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barrel.\t \u00a0Places\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 kneeling\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0sunlight\t \u00a0catches\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0metal\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 twinkles.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0rifle\t \u00a0roars\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deafening\t \u00a0crack.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0follow\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barrel\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0upward\t \u00a0arc.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plume\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 smoke\t \u00a0swirling\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0muzzle.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0herringbone\t \u00a0vest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0woke\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0scream\t \u00a0trapped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0STEPPED\t \u00a0OUTSIDE.\t \u00a0Stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0tarnish\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010moon\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0riddled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0stars.\t \u00a0Crickets\t \u00a0chirped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shuttered\t \u00a0darkness\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0 wafted\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0suddenly,\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0border,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0After\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 these\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soil\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ancestors.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 soil\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0great-\u00ad\u2010grandfather\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0 dying\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cholera\t \u00a0epidemic\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01915.\t \u00a0She'd\t \u00a0borne\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 first\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0wives\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0failed\t \u00a0to,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0soil\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0grandfather\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hunting\t \u00a0trip\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0King\t \u00a0Nadir\t \u00a0Shah\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deer.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 died\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0soil.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0soil,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0love.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house's\t \u00a0clay\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0kinship\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0land...\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0surprised\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 forgotten.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0galaxy\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0","people\t \u00a0sleeping\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0against.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 forgotten\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0land.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bony\t \u00a0glow\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010moon,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 sensed\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0humming\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0forgotten\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0westward\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0marveled\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0somewhere\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0mountains,\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0existed.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0existed,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0memory,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0heading\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0AP\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0page\t \u00a015\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Francisco\t \u00a0Chronicle.\t \u00a0Somewhere\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0 mountains\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0slept\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0harelipped\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0 kites.\t \u00a0Somewhere\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blindfolded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0died\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 needless\t \u00a0death.\t \u00a0Once,\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0mountains,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0choice.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 quarter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0century\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0choice\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0landed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0soil.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0recognized\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Wahid's.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010nothing\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We're\t \u00a0hungry\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0savages!\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0guest!\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0do?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0strained\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0tomorrow\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0sounded\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0feed-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 \\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tiptoed\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0shown\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0interest\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0They'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 food.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0SAID\t \u00a0OUR\t \u00a0GOOD-\u00ad\u2010BYES\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0morning.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Land\t \u00a0Cruiser,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hospitality.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0home,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0sons\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 doorway\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0dangled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0twiggy\t \u00a0wrist.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side-\u00ad\u2010view\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0Wahid\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0 surrounded\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cloud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0whipped\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0occurred\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0different\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hungry\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0chase\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Earlier\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0certain\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0twenty-\u00ad\u2010six\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fistful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0crumpled\t \u00a0 money\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mattress.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWENTY\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0warned\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had.\t \u00a0But,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wasted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cratered\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0winds\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Kabul.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0traveled\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tarpaulin-\u00ad\u2010covered\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0gotten\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0singing,\t \u00a0stoned\t \u00a0Roussi\t \u00a0 officer-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0mad\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0scared,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0ultimately,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 proud.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0trek\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bone-\u00ad\u2010jarring\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 teetering\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0snaking\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rocks,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0relic\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0relic\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 wars.\t \u00a0Twenty\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0war\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 Grim\t \u00a0reminders\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0strewn\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road:\t \u00a0burned\t \u00a0carcasses\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Soviet\t \u00a0 tanks,\t \u00a0overturned\t \u00a0military\t \u00a0trucks\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0rust,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0jeep\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 plunged\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mountainside.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0war,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0screen.\t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Swerving\t \u00a0effortlessly\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0potholes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0element.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0chattier\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 overnight\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Wahid's\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passenger\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0twice.\t \u00a0Maneuvering\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steering\t \u00a0 wheel\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mangled\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0mud-\u00ad\u2010hut\t \u00a0villages\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0known\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0people,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 either\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0refugee\t \u00a0camps\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 luckier,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crumbled,\t \u00a0charred\t \u00a0remains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0village.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tuft\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blackened,\t \u00a0roofless\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dog\t \u00a0sleeping\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0once,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0bicycle\t \u00a0repairman.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 played\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tabla\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0burned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 village.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0burned\t \u00a0village,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dog\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0move.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IN\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0OLD\t \u00a0DAYS,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0hours,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0more.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0hours\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0reach\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 did...\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0warned\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Mahipar\t \u00a0dam.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Kabul\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hear.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0hearing\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0seeing.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0unroll\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0certain,\t \u00a0 absolutely\t \u00a0certain,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0somewhere.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 seen\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0stupefied\t \u00a0expression;\t \u00a0shuttling\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0familiar\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0expression\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0\\\"Welcome\t \u00a0back,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0morosely.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 RUBBLE\t \u00a0AND\t \u00a0BEGGARS.\t \u00a0Everywhere\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remembered\t \u00a0beggars\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0too-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0carried\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0extra\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0Afghani\t \u00a0bills\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0them;\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0deny\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0peddler.\t \u00a0 Now,\t \u00a0though,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0squatted\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0corner,\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0shredded\t \u00a0burlap\t \u00a0 rags,\t \u00a0mud-\u00ad\u2010caked\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coin.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0beggars\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0mostly\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0 now,\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0grim-\u00ad\u2010faced,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0six.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0laps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0burqa-\u00ad\u2010clad\t \u00a0mothers\t \u00a0alongside\t \u00a0gutters\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0corners\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0chanted\t \u00a0","\\\"Bakhshesh,\t \u00a0bakhshesh!\\\"\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0 away:\t \u00a0Hardly\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0adult\t \u00a0male-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0wars\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0fathers\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 rare\t \u00a0commodity\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0westbound\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh\t \u00a0district\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remembered\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0major\t \u00a0thoroughfare\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seventies:\t \u00a0Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0 north\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bone-\u00ad\u2010dry\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0River.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hills\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 broken\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0east\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Bala\t \u00a0Hissar\t \u00a0Fort-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0ancient\t \u00a0citadel\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warlord\t \u00a0Dostum\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0occupied\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01992-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shirdarwaza\t \u00a0mountain\t \u00a0 range,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0mountains\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0Mujahedin\t \u00a0forces\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0showered\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0rockets\t \u00a0between\t \u00a01992\t \u00a0and\t \u00a01996,\t \u00a0inflicting\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0damage\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 witnessing\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Shirdarwaza\t \u00a0range\t \u00a0stretched\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0west.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 those\t \u00a0mountains\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0firing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Topeh\t \u00a0chasht,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0\\\"noon\t \u00a0 cannon.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0announce\t \u00a0noontime,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0signal\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0daylight\t \u00a0fasting\t \u00a0during\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Ramadan.\t \u00a0You'd\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roar\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 cannon\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mumbled.\t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0shops\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hotels.\t \u00a0Neon\t \u00a0lights\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0restaurants.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 buy\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Saifo.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0shop\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0police\t \u00a0 headquarters.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0police\t \u00a0headquarters\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0there,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0shortage\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0police\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0shops\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0anywhere\t \u00a0 else\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0Those\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0over.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0giant\t \u00a0sand\t \u00a0castle.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0buildings\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 hadn't\t \u00a0entirely\t \u00a0collapsed\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0stood,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0caved\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0roofs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0pierced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 rockets\t \u00a0shells.\t \u00a0Entire\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0obliterated\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0rubble.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bullet-\u00ad\u2010pocked\t \u00a0 sign\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0angle\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heap\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0debris.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0DRINK\t \u00a0COCA\t \u00a0CO-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0 children\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ruins\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0windowless\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0amid\t \u00a0jagged\t \u00a0stumps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 brick\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stone.\t \u00a0Bicycle\t \u00a0riders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0mule-\u00ad\u2010drawn\t \u00a0carts\t \u00a0swerved\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0kids,\t \u00a0stray\t \u00a0 dogs,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0piles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0debris.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0haze\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0hovered\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 river,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0plume\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0smoke\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"People\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0firewood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winter,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0 Shorawi\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Why?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Snipers\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hide\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0them.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0sadness\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Returning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old,\t \u00a0 forgotten\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0 homeless\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0destitute.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0built\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Shar-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Kohna,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0city,\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 here,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0destroyed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0over?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0quick\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curb\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0backstreet\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ramshackle,\t \u00a0 abandoned\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0\\\"That\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pharmacy,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0muttered\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0exited\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0 heading\t \u00a0west.\t \u00a0\\\"What's\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0smell?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Diesel,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0replied.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0city's\t \u00a0generators\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 electricity\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0unreliable,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0use\t \u00a0diesel\t \u00a0fuel.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Diesel.\t \u00a0Remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"Kabob.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Lamb\t \u00a0kabob,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Lamb,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0tasting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0lamb\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sleeve.\t \u00a0 \\\"Speaking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0which...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 A\t \u00a0vehicle\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0approaching\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0\\\"Beard\t \u00a0Patrol,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0murmured.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Internet,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0magazines,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0newspapers.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0less\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0fifty\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sudden\t \u00a0taste\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0 unadulterated,\t \u00a0naked\t \u00a0fear.\t \u00a0Telling\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0flesh\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0shrunk\t \u00a0 against\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bones\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0battering.\t \u00a0Here\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0came.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 glory.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0Toyota\t \u00a0pickup\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0idled\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stern-\u00ad\u2010faced\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0 men\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0haunches\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cab,\t \u00a0Kalashnikovs\t \u00a0slung\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0shoulders.\t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0beards\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0turbans.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dark-\u00ad\u2010skinned\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 early\t \u00a0twenties\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0thick,\t \u00a0knitted\t \u00a0eyebrows\t \u00a0twirled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whip\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 rhythmically\t \u00a0swatted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0roaming\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 Held\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0naked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0spat\t \u00a0 tobacco-\u00ad\u2010stained\t \u00a0spittle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0breathe\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0 rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0Jadeh\t \u00a0Maywand,\t \u00a0leaving\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0trail\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cloud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0hissed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0stare\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0them!\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0Never!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0Agha.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0poke\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rabid\t \u00a0dog\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0stick,\\\"\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0belonged\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0beggar\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0barefoot\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bullet-\u00ad\u2010scarred\t \u00a0building.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0threadbare\t \u00a0chapan\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 frayed\t \u00a0shreds\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dirt-\u00ad\u2010crusted\t \u00a0turban.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0eyelid\t \u00a0drooped\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0 socket.\t \u00a0With\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arthritic\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0direction\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gone.\t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0looking.\t \u00a0Looking\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hoping\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0provoke\t \u00a0 them.\t \u00a0Sooner\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0obliges.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dogs\t \u00a0feast\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day's\t \u00a0 boredom\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0'Allah-\u00ad\u2010u-\u00ad\u2010akbar!'\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0offends,\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0random\t \u00a0violence,\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0there?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Keep\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0near,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0dispenses\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0advice,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0beggar\t \u00a0chimed\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0barked\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0wet\t \u00a0cough\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soiled\t \u00a0handkerchief.\t \u00a0\\\"Forgive\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0spare\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 few\t \u00a0Afghanis?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0breathed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bas.\t \u00a0Let's\t \u00a0go,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0Afghanis,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0equivalent\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0dollars.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0forward\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0stench-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010like\t \u00a0 sour\t \u00a0milk\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0washed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0weeks-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010flooded\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0nostrils\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gorge\t \u00a0rise.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hurriedly\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0waist,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lone\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0 darting\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"A\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thanks\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0benevolence,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Darulaman\t \u00a0Boulevard,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0 children\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rockets\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 orphanage.\t \u00a0Which\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0saving\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lion's\t \u00a0cage\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0throwing\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tiger's.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Agha,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0nay?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Talib.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0beggar\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0Revealed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 remaining\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0crooked\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 rolling\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0joyous\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"An\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0killing!\t \u00a0 Wah\t \u00a0wah!\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poet\t \u00a0says:\t \u00a0'How\t \u00a0seamless\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 trouble!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 A\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0sprouted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0ghazal.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0Hafez.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is.\t \u00a0Indeed,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0replied.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0teach\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0university.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0did?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0coughed.\t \u00a0\\\"From\t \u00a01958\t \u00a0to\t \u00a01996.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0Hafez,\t \u00a0Khayyam,\t \u00a0 Rumi,\t \u00a0Beydel,\t \u00a0Jami,\t \u00a0Saadi.\t \u00a0Once,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0guest\t \u00a0lecturer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Tehran,\t \u00a01971\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 was.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lecture\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mystic\t \u00a0Beydel.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 clapped.\t \u00a0Ha!\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0 What\t \u00a0value\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Sufism?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0university,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0name?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sofia\t \u00a0Akrami.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0twinkle\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0veil\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cataracts.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0desert\t \u00a0 weed\t \u00a0lives\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flower\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0blooms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wilts.'\t \u00a0Such\t \u00a0grace,\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0 dignity,\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tragedy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked,\t \u00a0kneeling\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes\t \u00a0indeed,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0beggar\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0class.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rainy\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0exams\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0shared\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0marvelous\t \u00a0 slice\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0almond\t \u00a0cake\t \u00a0together.\t \u00a0Almond\t \u00a0cake\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0honey.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 rather\t \u00a0obviously\t \u00a0pregnant\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 forget\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\t \u00a0Please\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0described\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 broad\t \u00a0strokes,\t \u00a0like,\t \u00a0\\\"She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0woman.\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0thirsted\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0details:\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0glinted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sunlight,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0ice\t \u00a0cream\t \u00a0 flavor,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0songs\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hum,\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0bite\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0nails?\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0memories\t \u00a0","of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grave\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0guilt,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0died.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 loss\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0great,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0deep,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0 both.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"She\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0'I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0afraid.'\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0'Why?,'\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0'Because\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0 profoundly\t \u00a0happy,\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Rasul.\t \u00a0Happiness\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0frightening.'\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0'They\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0preparing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0you,'\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0'Hush\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0Enough\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0silliness.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0softly.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0snatched\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0else?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0say?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0features\t \u00a0softened.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 don't.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0memory\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0shattered\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0buildings.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0sorry.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0try\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0promise.\t \u00a0Come\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much.\\\"\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 mother\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0liked\t \u00a0almond\t \u00a0cake\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0honey\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0tea,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 word\t \u00a0\\\"profoundly,\\\"\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0fretted\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0happiness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Walking\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck,\t \u00a0neither\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0commented\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0 non-\u00ad\u2010Afghans\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0improbable\t \u00a0coincidence,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beggar\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 street\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0happen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Afghanistan,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0particularly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0absurdity\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0commonplace.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0\\\"Take\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0who've\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0met,\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0 minutes,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they'll\t \u00a0figure\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0related.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0building.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0offer,\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0unearthed\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 mother.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0FOUND\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0NEW\t \u00a0ORPHANAGE\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0northern\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh,\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 banks\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dried-\u00ad\u2010up\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0River.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flat,\t \u00a0barracks-\u00ad\u2010style\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 splintered\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0boarded\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0planks\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wood.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0war-\u00ad\u2010ravaged\t \u00a0 neighborhoods\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0evidence\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 overwhelming.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0cratered\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0flanked\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0ruins\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 shelled\t \u00a0buildings\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0abandoned\t \u00a0homes.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rusted\t \u00a0skeleton\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 overturned\t \u00a0car,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0screen\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010buried\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0rubble,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 words\t \u00a0ZENDA\t \u00a0BAD\t \u00a0TAL\t \u00a0IRAN!\t \u00a0(Long\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban!)\t \u00a0sprayed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0black.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0short,\t \u00a0thin,\t \u00a0balding\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shaggy\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ragged\t \u00a0tweed\t \u00a0jacket,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0skullcap,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0eyeglasses\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0chipped\t \u00a0 lens\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tip\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glasses,\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0peas\t \u00a0 flitted\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Farid.\t \u00a0\\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid.\t \u00a0\\\"We're\t \u00a0searching\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cursory\t \u00a0glance.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0sorry.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0picture,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friend,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Why\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 closer\t \u00a0look?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Lotfan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0added.\t \u00a0Please.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0picture.\t \u00a0Studied\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Handed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0\\\"Nay,\t \u00a0sorry.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0institution\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0familiar.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0permit\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Locked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bolt.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0rapped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knuckles.\t \u00a0\\\"Agha!\t \u00a0Agha,\t \u00a0please\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 door.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0harm.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"Now,\t \u00a0 please\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0away.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0\\\"Friend,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0low,\t \u00a0cautious\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0place.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Peshawar,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"A\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 American\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0charity\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0children.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0 presence\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Sensed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0listening,\t \u00a0 hesitating,\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0suspicion\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hope.\t \u00a0\\\"Look,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0father,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0\\\"His\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Farzana.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grand\t \u00a0 mother\t \u00a0Sasa.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0write.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slingshot.\t \u00a0 There's\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0boy,\t \u00a0Agha,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0Please\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 From\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0silence.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0uncle,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0passed.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0key\t \u00a0rattled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lock.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0 reappeared\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crack.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0thing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slingshot.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0inseparable\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tucks\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0waist\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0 everywhere\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0goes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","THE\t \u00a0MAN\t \u00a0WHO\t \u00a0LET\t \u00a0US\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0introduced\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Zaman,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0director\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 orphanage.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0office,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0dim,\t \u00a0grimy\t \u00a0hallways\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0barefoot\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0 dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0frayed\t \u00a0sweaters\t \u00a0ambled\t \u00a0around.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0rooms\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0floor\t \u00a0 covering\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0matted\t \u00a0carpets\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0shuttered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0plastic.\t \u00a0 Skeleton\t \u00a0frames\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0beds,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0mattress,\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rooms.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0orphans\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"More\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0for.\t \u00a0About\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fifty,\\\"\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0yateem.\t \u00a0Many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 fathers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0war,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0mothers\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0feed\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 allow\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0work.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sweeping\t \u00a0 gesture\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0added\t \u00a0ruefully,\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0better.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0storage\t \u00a0warehouse\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0carpet\t \u00a0manufacturer.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0heater\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0they've\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0dry.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0\\\"I've\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 money\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0dig\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0twirl\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 rosaries\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0money.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0snickered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0beds\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0beds,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0mattresses\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0beds\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0have.\t \u00a0Worse,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 enough\t \u00a0blankets.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0girl\t \u00a0skipping\t \u00a0rope\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0kids.\t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0girl?\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0winter,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0share\t \u00a0blankets.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0 brother\t \u00a0died\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0exposure.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0checked,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0less\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0month's\t \u00a0supply\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rice\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warehouse,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0runs\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 children\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0bread\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0breakfast\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dinner.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0mention\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lunch.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0shelter\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 food,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0clothes,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0ample\t \u00a0supply\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0 who've\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0childhood.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tragedy\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0ones.\t \u00a0 We're\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0beyond\t \u00a0capacity\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0mothers\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 children.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Sohrab?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0lie,\t \u00a0Agha.\t \u00a0But...\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0late.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Zaman's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0shifted.\t \u00a0\\\"Follow\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WHAT\t \u00a0PASSED\t \u00a0FOR\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0DIRECTOR'S\t \u00a0OFFICE\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0bare,\t \u00a0cracked\t \u00a0walls,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 mat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0folding\t \u00a0chairs.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 gray\t \u00a0rat\t \u00a0poke\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0burrow\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0flit\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 cringed\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0sniffed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoes,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0Zaman's,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scurried\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 open\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0late?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0chai?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0some.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0talk.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Zaman\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0pleasant.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0mention\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0dangerous.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0whom?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You.\t \u00a0Me.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Sohrab,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0already.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"So\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0question:\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0badly\t \u00a0 do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0nephew?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0fights\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0kids,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 times\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 against\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0wince\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watch,\t \u00a0tempted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0stopping\t \u00a0short,\t \u00a0 always\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hallway,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0group\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0dancing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0circle.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0girl,\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0amputated\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0knee,\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ratty\t \u00a0mattress\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watched,\t \u00a0 smiling\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0clapping\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0children.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 children\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0mangled\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0Wahid's\t \u00a0 boys\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0something:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0finding\t \u00a0 Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"Tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Zaman's\t \u00a0gaze\t \u00a0lingered\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pencil,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 twirled\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers.\t \u00a0\\\"Keep\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0promise.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0tapped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pencil.\t \u00a0\\\"Despite\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0promise,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0regret\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0damned\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 can\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Sohrab...\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 desperate\t \u00a0man.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0quiet\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0official,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 muttered.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0visits\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0two.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0brings\t \u00a0cash\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0shifty\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0\\\"Usually\t \u00a0 he'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0girl.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0always.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0allow\t \u00a0this?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 table,\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Zaman.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0choice\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have?\\\"\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pushed\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0director\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Your\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0 children.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There's\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0children!\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0barked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Farid,\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0down!\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0go!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0late.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0leaping\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0Zaman's\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0flying\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0pinned\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0director\t \u00a0thrashed\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0","muffled\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0sounds.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0drawer\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 paper\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0Zaman's\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0muffled:\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0strangling\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0grasped\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0hard.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0snatched\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"That's\t \u00a0enough!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0barked.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 flushed\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0snarl.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0killing\t \u00a0him!\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0me!\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0 killing\t \u00a0him,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sneered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Get\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0him!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0killing\t \u00a0him!\\\"\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0quickly\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0witness\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0murder.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0watching,\t \u00a0Farid.\t \u00a0They're\t \u00a0watching,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0 muscles\t \u00a0tightened\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0grip\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0 squeezing\t \u00a0Zaman's\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0silently\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0crying.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0 Farid's\t \u00a0muscles\t \u00a0slacken.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mouthful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spit\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Zaman\t \u00a0struggled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0blotted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bloody\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sleeve,\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0spit\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheek.\t \u00a0Coughing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wheezing,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0skullcap,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0glasses,\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0lenses\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0cracked,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0off.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 None\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0ago,\\\"\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0croaked,\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 shielding\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0yourself\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0director?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Zaman\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0haven't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0months.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0 broke\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life's\t \u00a0savings\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0orphanage.\t \u00a0Everything\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0 owned\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0inherited\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sold\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0godforsaken\t \u00a0place.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 family\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Iran?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0else.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 stayed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stayed\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0deny\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 child,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0takes\t \u00a0ten.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0judging\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Allah.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0swallow\t \u00a0","my\t \u00a0pride\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0filthy...\t \u00a0dirty\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bazaar\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 buy\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0happens\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0takes?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Zaman\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forefinger\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thumb.\t \u00a0\\\"Some\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 come\t \u00a0back.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0he?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Ghazi\t \u00a0Stadium\t \u00a0tomorrow.\t \u00a0You'll\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0halftime.\t \u00a0He'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0sunglasses.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0glasses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0frightened.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0escorted\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Zaman\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side-\u00ad\u2010view\t \u00a0mirror,\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doorway.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0group\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0surrounded\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0clutching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hem\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 loose\t \u00a0shirt.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0glasses.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWENTY-\u00ad\u2010ONE\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0river\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0north\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0Pashtunistan\t \u00a0Square.\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Restaurant\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0kabob.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0","still\t \u00a0standing,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0doors\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0padlocked,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0shattered,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 letters\t \u00a0K\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0R\t \u00a0missing\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0name.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0restaurant.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hanging.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0dangled\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rope\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beam,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0puffy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blue,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 clothes\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0shredded,\t \u00a0bloody.\t \u00a0Hardly\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0 seemed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0notice\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0rode\t \u00a0silently\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0square\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0headed\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0 Khan\t \u00a0district.\t \u00a0Everywhere\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0haze\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0sun-\u00ad\u2010 dried\t \u00a0brick\t \u00a0buildings.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0north\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Pashtunistan\t \u00a0Square,\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0animatedly\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hobbling\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0leg,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0amputated\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0knee.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0cradled\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0artificial\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0arms.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0doing?\t \u00a0Haggling\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leg.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leg?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0market.\t \u00a0Feed\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weeks.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 To\t \u00a0MY\t \u00a0SURPRISE,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0district\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0roofs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0fact,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0shape.\t \u00a0Trees\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 peeked\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0rubble-\u00ad\u2010strewn\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 ones\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh.\t \u00a0Faded\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0signs,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0twisted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bullet-\u00ad\u2010pocked,\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 pointed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"This\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0bad,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remarked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0surprise.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0important\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Taliban?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Them\t \u00a0too,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who\t \u00a0else?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wide\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0fairly\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0sidewalks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walled\t \u00a0 homes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0either\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0brains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 government,\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0that:\t \u00a0Arabs,\t \u00a0Chechens,\t \u00a0Pakistanis,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 pointed\t \u00a0northwest.\t \u00a0\\\"Street\t \u00a015,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0Sarak-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Mehmana.\\\"\t \u00a0Street\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Guests.\t \u00a0\\\"That's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0guests.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0someday\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pee\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0carpet.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0it!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Over\t \u00a0there!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0landmark\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0serve\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0guide\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kid.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0lost,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pink\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0pink\t \u00a0 house\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steeply\t \u00a0pitched\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighborhood's\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0FIND\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0LITTLE\t \u00a0TURTLE\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0tangles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sweetbrier\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0excited\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0care.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0paint\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0shell\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 bright\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0idea,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0one:\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0we'll\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0lose\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bushes.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0pretend\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0daredevil\t \u00a0explorers\t \u00a0who've\t \u00a0discovered\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 giant\t \u00a0prehistoric\t \u00a0monster\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0distant\t \u00a0jungle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we've\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0wagon\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0built\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0 winter\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0birthday,\t \u00a0pretend\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0giant\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0cage.\t \u00a0Behold\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fire-\u00ad\u2010breathing\t \u00a0 monstrosity!\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0march\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wagon\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0cherry\t \u00a0trees,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0skyscrapers\t \u00a0soaring\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0clouds,\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0poking\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thousands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spectacle\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0below.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0semi\t \u00a0lunar\t \u00a0bridge\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0built\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cluster\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fig\t \u00a0trees;\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0becomes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 great\t \u00a0suspension\t \u00a0bridge\t \u00a0joining\t \u00a0cities,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0pond\t \u00a0below,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0foamy\t \u00a0sea.\t \u00a0 Fireworks\t \u00a0explode\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bridge's\t \u00a0massive\t \u00a0pylons\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0armed\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0salute\t \u00a0 us\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0sides\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0gigantic\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0cables\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0turtle\t \u00a0 bouncing\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cab,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0drag\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wagon\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0circular\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0brick\t \u00a0 driveway\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wrought\t \u00a0iron\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0return\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0salutes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world's\t \u00a0 leaders\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0applaud.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0famed\t \u00a0adventurers\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world's\t \u00a0greatest\t \u00a0explorers,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0receive\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0medal\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0honor\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 courageous\t \u00a0feat...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","GINGERLY,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0WALKED\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0tufts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weed\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0sun-\u00ad\u2010faded\t \u00a0bricks.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0feeling\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 stranger.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rusty\t \u00a0bars,\t \u00a0remembering\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 these\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0thousands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0mattered\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 now\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0important\t \u00a0then.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0peered\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0extension\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0turns\t \u00a0falling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bike,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0wide\t \u00a0 or\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0asphalt\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0split\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lightning-\u00ad\u2010streak\t \u00a0pattern,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0tangles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weed\t \u00a0sprouted\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fissures.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poplar\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0chopped\t \u00a0down-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0climb\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shine\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 mirrors\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighbors'\t \u00a0homes.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0leafless.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Wall\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Ailing\t \u00a0Corn\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0corn,\t \u00a0ailing\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0otherwise,\t \u00a0 along\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0paint\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0begun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0peel\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sections\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0sloughed\t \u00a0 off\t \u00a0altogether.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0lawn\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0haze\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0hovering\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city,\t \u00a0dotted\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0bald\t \u00a0patches\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0jeep\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0wrong:\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0 Mustang\t \u00a0belonged\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0years,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Mustang's\t \u00a0eight\t \u00a0cylinders\t \u00a0roared\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0 every\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0rousing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0oil\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jeep\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0stained\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0Rorschach\t \u00a0inkblot.\t \u00a0Beyond\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jeep,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0 wheelbarrow\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rosebushes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 asphalt.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0weeds.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0honked\t \u00a0twice\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0Agha.\t \u00a0We'll\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0 attention,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0called.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Just\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0minute,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0itself\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sprawling\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0mansion\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0childhood.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0smaller.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0sagged\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plaster\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 cracked.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0upstairs\t \u00a0guest\t \u00a0 bathroom\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0broken,\t \u00a0patched\t \u00a0haphazardly\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0plastic\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 wooden\t \u00a0boards\t \u00a0nailed\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0frames.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0paint,\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0sparkling\t \u00a0white,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 faded\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ghostly\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0eroded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0parts,\t \u00a0revealing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0layered\t \u00a0bricks\t \u00a0beneath.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0crumbled.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fallen\t \u00a0splendor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0bedroom,\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0main\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0tiptoes,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0","window\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0shadows.\t \u00a0Twenty-\u00ad\u2010five\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 window,\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0dripping\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0panes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0fogging\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glass.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0load\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0belongings\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trunk\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0 car.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0agha,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0coming,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Insanely,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0 used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0boots.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 foyer,\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orange\t \u00a0peel\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stove\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0burn\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 sawdust.\t \u00a0Sit\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slice\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_naan_,\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 sing\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0songs.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Another\t \u00a0honk.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0Cruiser\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sidewalk.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0smoking\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0thing,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hurry?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0minutes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go,\t \u00a0then.\\\"\t \u00a0Then,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go:\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0Makes\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 easier.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"To\t \u00a0what?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"To\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0on,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0 much\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see?\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trouble:\t \u00a0Nothing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0survived.\t \u00a0Best\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0anymore,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0minutes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0HARDLY\t \u00a0BROKE\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0SWEAT,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0hiked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 north\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0scampered\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hilltop\t \u00a0chasing\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sloped\t \u00a0ridge\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0view\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0airport\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0distance.\t \u00a0 We'd\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0airplanes\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0land.\t \u00a0Go\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Now,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0top\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0craggy\t \u00a0hill,\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0ragged\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0 felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0inhaling\t \u00a0fire.\t \u00a0Sweat\t \u00a0trickled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0wheezing\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0stitch\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0abandoned\t \u00a0cemetery.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 take\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0stone\t \u00a0gateway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cemetery\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0metal\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hinges\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0gone,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0headstones\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0visible\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0tangles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weeds\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 claimed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plot.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0crows\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0enclosed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cemetery.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0borne\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0Looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wilted,\t \u00a0leafless\t \u00a0tree,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0doubted\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 stood\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0straddled\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0branches,\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0swinging,\t \u00a0dappled\t \u00a0sunlight\t \u00a0flickering\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leaves\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0casting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mosaic\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shadow.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0tangy\t \u00a0taste\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0crept\t \u00a0 into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0hunkered\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0brushed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trunk.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 found\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0carving\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0dulled,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0faded\t \u00a0altogether,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0there:\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Sultans\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0traced\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curve\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers.\t \u00a0Picked\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0bits\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bark\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0crevasses.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0cross-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 childhood.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0treetops\t \u00a0poked\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 sky\t \u00a0stretched\t \u00a0wide\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blue,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0laundry\t \u00a0drying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0clotheslines\t \u00a0glimmered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0sun.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0hard,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0seller\t \u00a0 passing\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0donkey:\t \u00a0Cherries!\t \u00a0Apricots!\t \u00a0Grapes!\t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0evening,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0azan,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mueszzin's**\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Shar-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Nau.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0honk\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0waving\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0DROVE\t \u00a0SOUTH\t \u00a0AGAIN,\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0Pashtunistan\t \u00a0Square.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0pickup\t \u00a0trucks\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0armed,\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0crammed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cabs.\t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0cursed\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0Pashtunistan\t \u00a0Square.\t \u00a0Three\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 girls\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0identical\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0dresses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0scarves\t \u00a0clung\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slight,\t \u00a0 bespectacled\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counter.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0charged\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0$75,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unthinkable\t \u00a0price\t \u00a0 given\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0run-\u00ad\u2010down\t \u00a0appearance\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0place,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0mind.\t \u00a0Exploitation\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 finance\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beach\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hawaii\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0Doing\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0feed\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 another.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cracked\t \u00a0toilet\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0flush.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 single\t \u00a0steel-\u00ad\u2010frame\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0worn\t \u00a0mattress,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ragged\t \u00a0blanket,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0 chair\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0overlooking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0square\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0broken,\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 replaced.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lowered\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0suitcase,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0noticed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dried\t \u00a0bloodstain\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0food.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 four\t \u00a0sizzling\t \u00a0skewers\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kabob,\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0_naan_,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bowl\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0rice.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0devoured\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0food.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0all:\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0kabob\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0succulent\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0delicious\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0extra\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0owner\t \u00a0charged\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0additional\t \u00a0fee.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0 came\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moonbeams\t \u00a0streaming\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0 window.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0owner\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0 electricity\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0generator\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0fixing.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 while.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0growing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jihad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Shorawi\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Panjsher\t \u00a0Valley.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0stranded\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0locust\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0survive.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0helicopter\t \u00a0gunfire\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0daughters.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0America.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grocery\t \u00a0store\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 twenty\t \u00a0different\t \u00a0types\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cereal.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0lamb\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0milk\t \u00a0cold,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0plentiful\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0clear.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0TV,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0","remote,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0satellite\t \u00a0dish\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wanted.\t \u00a0Receive\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0 hundred\t \u00a0channels.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Five\t \u00a0hundred?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0exclaimed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Five\t \u00a0hundred.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0silent\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fallen\t \u00a0asleep,\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0 chuckled.\t \u00a0\\\"Agha,\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0Nasrud\t \u00a0din\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0 came\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0complained\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0husband\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0beaten\t \u00a0her?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 smiling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0formed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 Afghan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0jokes\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bumbling\t \u00a0 mullah.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0husband\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 no\t \u00a0fool:\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bastard\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 wife\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0return.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0Partly\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0joke,\t \u00a0partly\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0humor\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0changed.\t \u00a0 Wars\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0waged,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Internet\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0invented,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0robot\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 surface\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Mars,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0Nasruddin\t \u00a0jokes.\t \u00a0 \\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heavy\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0riding\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0donkey?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Someone\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0donkey?\t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"That\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0cruel,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0heavy\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poor\t \u00a0thing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0exchanged\t \u00a0Mullah\t \u00a0Nasruddin\t \u00a0jokes\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 fell\t \u00a0silent\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0agha?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0startling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0here?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mean,\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0believe.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sometimes\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No...\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0boy?\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 America\t \u00a0for...\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Shi'a?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0tired,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Let's\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0sleep.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid's\t \u00a0snoring\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0echoed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stayed\t \u00a0awake,\t \u00a0 hands\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0starlit\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0 window,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0true.\t \u00a0 Maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hopeless\t \u00a0place.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0BUSTLING\t \u00a0CROWD\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0filling\t \u00a0Ghazi\t \u00a0Stadium\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 entrance\t \u00a0tunnels.\t \u00a0Thousands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0milled\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tightly\t \u00a0packed\t \u00a0concrete\t \u00a0 terraces.\t \u00a0Children\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0chased\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 steps.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0scent\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0garbanzo\t \u00a0beans\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0spicy\t \u00a0sauce\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air,\t \u00a0mixed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0","smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dung\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sweat.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0peddlers\t \u00a0selling\t \u00a0 cigarettes,\t \u00a0pine\t \u00a0nuts,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0biscuits.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0scrawny\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tweed\t \u00a0jacket\t \u00a0grabbed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0elbow\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 ear.\t \u00a0Asked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0\\\"sexy\t \u00a0pictures.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Very\t \u00a0sexy,\t \u00a0Agha,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0alert\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0darting\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010reminding\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0girl\t \u00a0who,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0crack\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Tenderloin\t \u00a0 district\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Francisco.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0kid\t \u00a0peeled\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0jacket\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0fleeting\t \u00a0glance\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sexy\t \u00a0pictures:\t \u00a0postcards\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0movies\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0doe-\u00ad\u2010 eyed\t \u00a0sultry\t \u00a0actresses,\t \u00a0fully\t \u00a0dressed,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0leading\t \u00a0men.\t \u00a0\\\"So\t \u00a0sexy,\\\"\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0repeated.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0gets\t \u00a0caught,\t \u00a0they'll\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flogging\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0waken\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0grave,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0assigned\t \u00a0seating,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0politely\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0section,\t \u00a0aisle,\t \u00a0row,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0seat.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0monarchy.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0decent\t \u00a0spot\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sit,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0midfield,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0 some\t \u00a0shoving\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0elbowing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0part.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0'70s\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0games\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pitch\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mess.\t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0holes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0craters\t \u00a0everywhere,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0notably\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0holes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0goalposts.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 dirt.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0teams\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0field-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010all\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0despite\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 heat-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0began,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0follow\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0clouds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0 kicked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0players.\t \u00a0Young,\t \u00a0whip-\u00ad\u2010toting\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0roamed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aisles,\t \u00a0striking\t \u00a0 anyone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0cheered\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0loudly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0halftime\t \u00a0whistle\t \u00a0blew.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 dusty\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0pickup\t \u00a0trucks,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0town\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0arrived,\t \u00a0 rode\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stadium\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gates.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0 dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0burqa\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cab\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0truck,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blindfolded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 other.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0trucks\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0track,\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 look.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0desired\t \u00a0effect:\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0craned\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0necks,\t \u00a0pointed,\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0","tiptoes.\t \u00a0Next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Farid's\t \u00a0Adam's\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0bobbed\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0mumbled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 prayer\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0trucks\t \u00a0entered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0field,\t \u00a0rode\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0 clouds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dust,\t \u00a0sunlight\t \u00a0reflecting\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0hubcaps.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0field.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0one's\t \u00a0cab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0 understood\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0purpose\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0holes\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0goalposts.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0unloaded\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0murmured\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0anticipation.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0gravely.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0badly\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Two\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Kalashnikovs\t \u00a0slung\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 blindfolded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0others\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0burqa-\u00ad\u2010clad\t \u00a0 woman.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0buckled\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lift\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 again,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0screamed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kicked.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0never,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0breath,\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0scream.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cry\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wild\t \u00a0animal\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pry\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0mangled\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0 free\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0trap.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0force\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest-\u00ad\u2010deep\t \u00a0holes.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0blindfolded\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0quietly\t \u00a0allowed\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0dug\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0accused\t \u00a0pair's\t \u00a0torsos\t \u00a0 protruded\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0chubby,\t \u00a0white-\u00ad\u2010bearded\t \u00a0cleric\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0garments\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 goalposts\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handheld\t \u00a0microphone.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0recited\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lengthy\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Koran,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nasal\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0undulating\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sudden\t \u00a0hush\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stadium's\t \u00a0 crowd.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago:\t \u00a0Piss\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 beards\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0self-\u00ad\u2010righteous\t \u00a0monkeys.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0thumb\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 rosaries\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0recite\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0written\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0understand.\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0 help\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0falls\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cleric\t \u00a0cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0\\\"Brothers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 sisters!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0called,\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Farsi,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0booming\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stadium.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0today\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0carry\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0Shari'a.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0today\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0carry\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0justice.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 here\t \u00a0today\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Prophet\t \u00a0Muhammad,\t \u00a0 peace\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0upon\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0alive\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0beloved\t \u00a0 homeland.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0obey\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 humble,\t \u00a0powerless\t \u00a0creatures\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0greatness.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0say?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0","ask\t \u00a0you!\t \u00a0WHAT\t \u00a0DOES\t \u00a0GOD\t \u00a0SAY?\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0sinner\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0punished\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0manner\t \u00a0befitting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sin.\t \u00a0Those\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0words,\t \u00a0nor\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 brothers.\t \u00a0Those\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0GOD!\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pounding\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hot.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Every\t \u00a0sinner\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0punished\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0manner\t \u00a0befitting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sin!\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cleric\t \u00a0 repeated\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mike,\t \u00a0lowering\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice,\t \u00a0enunciating\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0 dramatically.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0manner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0punishment,\t \u00a0brothers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sisters,\t \u00a0befits\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 adulterer?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0shall\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0punish\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0dishonor\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sanctity\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0marriage?\t \u00a0 How\t \u00a0shall\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0deal\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0spit\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0God?\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0shall\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0 those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0stones\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0house?\t \u00a0WE\t \u00a0SHALL\t \u00a0THROW\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0 STONES\t \u00a0BACK!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0microphone.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0low-\u00ad\u2010pitched\t \u00a0murmur\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 crowd.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0themselves\t \u00a0 Muslims,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0whispered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tall,\t \u00a0broad-\u00ad\u2010shouldered\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pickup\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 sight\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0cheers\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0spectators.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0whip\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0cheering\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0loudly.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0sparkling\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0garment\t \u00a0 glimmered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0sun.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0hem\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0fluttered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 breeze,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Jesus\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cross.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0greeted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0 turning\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0circle.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0faced\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0section,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0 dark\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0sunglasses\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0Lennon\t \u00a0wore.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0man,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0sunglasses\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stones\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0unloaded\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rock\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 crowd.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0noise\t \u00a0fell,\t \u00a0replaced\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0buzzing\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0rippled\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 stadium.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tsk'ing.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib,\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0absurdly\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0baseball\t \u00a0pitcher\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mound,\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stone\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 blindfolded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0screamed\t \u00a0 again.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0\\\"OH!\\\"\t \u00a0sound.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0covered\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0spectators'\t \u00a0\\\"OH!\\\"\t \u00a0rhymed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0flinging\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 stone,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0stopped,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 over.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0no.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0guessed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people's\t \u00a0throats\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0tired.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0 longer\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reopened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 heard\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0asking,\t \u00a0\\\"Mord?\t \u00a0Mord?\t \u00a0Is\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0dead?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mangled\t \u00a0mess\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shredded\t \u00a0rags.\t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0forward,\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0Lennon\t \u00a0 sunglasses\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0squatting\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole,\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 rock\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0squatting\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stethoscope\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ears\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hole.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0removed\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0stethoscope\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ears\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sunglasses.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0moaned.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 John\t \u00a0Lennon\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mound.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bloodied\t \u00a0corpses\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 unceremoniously\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0pickup\t \u00a0trucks-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010separate\t \u00a0ones-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0 few\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0shovels\t \u00a0hurriedly\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0holes.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0 attempt\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0covering\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0stains\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0 minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teams\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0field.\t \u00a0Second\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Our\t \u00a0meeting\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0arranged\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0o'clock\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0afternoon.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0swiftness\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0appointment\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0surprised\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0expected\t \u00a0delays,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0questioning\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least,\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0check\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0papers.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0 unofficial\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0official\t \u00a0matters\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan:\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whip-\u00ad\u2010carrying\t \u00a0Talibs\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0personal\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0discuss\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0exchanged\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whip\t \u00a0 then\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shouted\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pashtu\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0field,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 ran\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0south-\u00ad\u2010end\t \u00a0goalposts\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sunglasses\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0chatting\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plump\t \u00a0cleric\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sermon.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0sunglasses\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0Said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0messenger's\t \u00a0ear.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 young\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0relayed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0message\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0set,\t \u00a0then.\t \u00a0Three\t \u00a0o'clock.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWENTY-\u00ad\u2010TWO\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0eased\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0Cruiser\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0 Khan.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0parked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0willow\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 compound\t \u00a0located\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Street\t \u00a015,\t \u00a0Sarak-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Mehmana,\t \u00a0Street\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Guests.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0killed\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0minute,\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tink-\u00ad\u2010tink\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0cooling\t \u00a0 off,\t \u00a0neither\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0toyed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 keys\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ignition\t \u00a0switch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0readying\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0finally,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tone\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 apologetic.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0\\\"You've\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 expect\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0Despite\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0alongside\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0busted\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0doors\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0demanded\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0charge,\t \u00a0piss\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 long\t \u00a0dead,\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0section\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0cemetery\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hayward.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0 month,\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bouquet\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0daisies\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0freesias\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 headstone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tall,\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0gates\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 house.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bell\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0buzz\t \u00a0came-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010still\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0electricity-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pound\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doors.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0terse\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0toting\t \u00a0Kalashnikovs\t \u00a0answered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0mouthed,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0armed\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0frisked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0toe,\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0legs,\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0crotch.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pashtu\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0chuckled.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0gates.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0escorted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0well-\u00ad\u2010manicured\t \u00a0lawn,\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0geraniums\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stubby\t \u00a0bushes\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0An\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0hand-\u00ad\u2010pump\t \u00a0 water\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun's\t \u00a0 house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0twins,\t \u00a0Fazila\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Karima,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drop\t \u00a0pebbles\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plink.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 We\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0entered\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large,\t \u00a0sparsely\t \u00a0decorated\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0 crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0large\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0flag\t \u00a0draped\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0upstairs\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0mint\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0sofas\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big-\u00ad\u2010screen\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0 corner.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0rug\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0oblong\t \u00a0Mecca\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0nailed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 walls.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0motioned\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barrel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 weapon.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0legs.\t \u00a0Uncrossed\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Sat\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0sweaty\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 knees.\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0nervous?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0clasped\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0together,\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 worse\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0thudded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0temples.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0 utterly\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0Thoughts\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0flying\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sober\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0 into\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0insanity.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thousands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wife,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0cell,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0murder\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 day.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0insanity.\t \u00a0Worse\t \u00a0yet,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0irresponsible.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0realistic\t \u00a0 chance\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0render\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0biwa,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0widow,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0age\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thirty-\u00ad\u2010six.\t \u00a0 This\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0gutless.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0made.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 that's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0saving\t \u00a0grace\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0lied\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 yourself\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0Nothing\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0cowardice\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 comes\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0prudence.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coward\t \u00a0stops\t \u00a0remembering\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is...\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0 help\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coffee\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0base\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0X-\u00ad\u2010shaped,\t \u00a0walnut-\u00ad\u2010sized\t \u00a0 brass\t \u00a0balls\t \u00a0studding\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0metallic\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0crossed.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0Where?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me:\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0shop\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Peshawar,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bowl\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0grapes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 plucked\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0preoccupy\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 something,\t \u00a0anything,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0grape\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sweet.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 popped\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0unaware\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0solid\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 eat\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0armed\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0returned,\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0 Talib\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white,\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0Lennon\t \u00a0glasses,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0 broad-\u00ad\u2010shouldered,\t \u00a0NewAge\t \u00a0mystic\t \u00a0guru.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lowered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0armrests.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0drumming\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 upholstery,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0twirling\t \u00a0turquoise\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0beads.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0vest\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0splotch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dried\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 left\t \u00a0sleeve.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0morbidly\t \u00a0fascinating\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0executions\t \u00a0earlier\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Periodically,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0floated\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0batted\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0slow\t \u00a0stroking\t \u00a0motions,\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 side,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0caressing\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0invisible\t \u00a0pet.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sleeves\t \u00a0retracted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0marks\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forearm-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0tracks\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0homeless\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0grimy\t \u00a0alleys\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Francisco.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0paler\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0men's,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0sallow,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 crop\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0beads\t \u00a0gleamed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0 turban.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0beard,\t \u00a0chest-\u00ad\u2010length\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0others,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0lighter\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Pardon?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0armed\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0motioned.\t \u00a0Rrrriiiip.\t \u00a0 Suddenly\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0stinging\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guard\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0giggling.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0grinned.\t \u00a0\\\"One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0while.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think.\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0twirled\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0fingers,\t \u00a0snapped\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0fist\t \u00a0opening\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0closing.\t \u00a0\\\"So,\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0enjoyed\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0today?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0rubbing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0hoping\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 betray\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0explosion\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0terror\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0inside.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Public\t \u00a0justice\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0greatest\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0show,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0brother.\t \u00a0Drama.\t \u00a0Suspense.\t \u00a0 And,\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0education\t \u00a0en\t \u00a0masse.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0snapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0Mumbled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0show,\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar.\t \u00a0August\t \u00a01998,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dogs,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0at.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0paced\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa\t \u00a0once,\t \u00a0twice.\t \u00a0Sat\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0 rapidly.\t \u00a0\\\"Door\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0went,\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0families.\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0see.\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 they\t \u00a0were,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0belonged.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0panting\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0\\\"Sometimes,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 broke\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0doors\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0homes.\t \u00a0And...\t \u00a0I'd...\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0sweep\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 barrel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0machine\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smoke\t \u00a0 blinded\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0share\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0secret.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0 don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meaning\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0'liberating'\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 roomful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0targets,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bullets\t \u00a0fly,\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0remorse,\t \u00a0knowing\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 virtuous,\t \u00a0good,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0decent.\t \u00a0Knowing\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0work.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0breathtaking.\\\"\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0beads,\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Javid?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0replied.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forget?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0massacre\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0papers.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0Mazar,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0cities\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fall.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0handing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0article\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0breakfast,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0bloodless.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Door-\u00ad\u2010to-\u00ad\u2010door.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0food\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0prayer,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0fondly,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0party\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0attended.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bodies\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0families\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sneak\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drag\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 homes,\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dogs.\t \u00a0Dog\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dogs.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0Rubbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 tremulous\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0America?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0whore\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0days?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sudden\t \u00a0urge\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0urinate.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0prayed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0pass.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Isn't\t \u00a0everyone?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Kalashnikovs\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0Their\t \u00a0 teeth\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0stained\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0naswar.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"His\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Sohrab.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something:\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0whore?\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0aren't\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0Muslim\t \u00a0brothers,\t \u00a0serving\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0country?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time,\\\"\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0saying.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0hot.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0together,\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bladder.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0\\\"That's\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 answer?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0unison,\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Shrugged.\t \u00a0\\\"Not\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0say.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 drag\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0circle\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0abandoning\t \u00a0 watan\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0needs\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0treason.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 arrested\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0treason,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0even.\t \u00a0Does\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0frighten\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Does\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0frighten\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0should,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa.\t \u00a0Crushed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cigarette.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0calmed\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0sickle-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0 birthmark,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0elegant\t \u00a0curve\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0neck,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0luminous\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 wedding\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0gazing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other's\t \u00a0reflection\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0 veil,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0blushed\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0whispered\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0","remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0dancing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0song,\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0round,\t \u00a0 everyone\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0clapping,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blur\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0flowers,\t \u00a0dresses,\t \u00a0tuxedos,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0faces.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Pardon?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him?\t \u00a0Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0boy?\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0 upper\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0curled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sneer\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0guard\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0creak\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0swinging\t \u00a0open.\t \u00a0Heard\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0guard\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pashtu,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0Then,\t \u00a0footfalls,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jingle\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0step.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Monkey\t \u00a0Man\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 chase\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Shar\t \u00a0e-\u00ad\u2010Nau.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rupia\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0allowance\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dance.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bell\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0monkey's\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0jingling\t \u00a0sound.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guard\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0carried\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stereo-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0 boom\t \u00a0box-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loose,\t \u00a0sapphire\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0 pirhan-\u00ad\u2010tumban\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0resemblance\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0breathtaking.\t \u00a0Disorienting.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0 hadn't\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0justice\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0moon\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pointy\t \u00a0stub\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chin,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 twisted,\t \u00a0seashell\t \u00a0ears,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0slight\t \u00a0frame.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Chinese\t \u00a0doll\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0childhood,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0peering\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0fanned-\u00ad\u2010out\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0cards\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0 days,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosquito\t \u00a0net\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0slept\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0 house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shaved,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0darkened\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0mascara,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0glowed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unnatural\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 room,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0strapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0anklets\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0jingling.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 Lingered.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0Looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0naked\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0button\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Pashtu\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 Tabla,\t \u00a0harmonium,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whine\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dil-\u00ad\u2010roba.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0guessed\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0sinful\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0ears.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0clap.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Wah\t \u00a0wah!\t \u00a0_Mashallah_!\\\"\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0cheered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0slowly.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0tiptoes,\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0 gracefully,\t \u00a0dipped\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0straightened,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0 swiveled\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wrists,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0snapped,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0swung\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 pendulum.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0pounded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0jingling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0perfect\t \u00a0harmony\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tabla.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0closed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"_Mashallah_!\\\"\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0cheered.\t \u00a0\\\"Shahbas!\t \u00a0Bravo!\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0whistled\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tilting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 music,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010open\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0leer.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0danced\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0circle,\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0closed,\t \u00a0danced\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0jingled\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0stomped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0foot\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0song's\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0 note.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0froze\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0midspin.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bia,\t \u00a0bia,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0boy,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 him,\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thighs.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0boy.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0talented\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0nay,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0boy!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0child's\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0armpits.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0elbowed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 other\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0snickered.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0exited.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0faced\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 Sohrab's\t \u00a0belly,\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy's\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 feet,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0stealing\t \u00a0shy,\t \u00a0furtive\t \u00a0glances\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy's\t \u00a0belly.\t \u00a0Up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0gently.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0wondering,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bloodshot\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0peering\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0\\\"Whatever\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Babalu,\t \u00a0anyway?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 The\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hammer\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0drain\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0cold.\t \u00a0Numb.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think?\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fake\t \u00a0beard\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wouldn't\t \u00a0recognize\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0Here's\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0bet\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0me:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0ever.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0brushed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0ear,\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 eye\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0died.\t \u00a0Tsk-\u00ad\u2010tsk.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0 Looks\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0settle\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0weakling\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0son.\\\"\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 sunglasses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bloodshot\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0couldn't.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0blink\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0couldn't.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 moment\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0surreal-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010no,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0surreal,\t \u00a0absurd-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 me,\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0standstill.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0burning.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0penny?\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0 name\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0uttering\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0conjure\t \u00a0 him.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flesh,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0less\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 all\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0escaped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lips:\t \u00a0\\\"Assef.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0knowing\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0utterly\t \u00a0foolish\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 question\t \u00a0sounded,\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0unable\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Me?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0arched\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0eyebrow\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0element.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0trembling.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0 do\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0flesh\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0shrinking\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bones.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0boy?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0wired.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Money?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tittered.\t \u00a0\\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Rockingham?\t \u00a0 Western\t \u00a0Australia,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slice\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0heaven.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0beach.\t \u00a0 Green\t \u00a0water,\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0skies.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beachfront\t \u00a0villa.\t \u00a0There's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0golf\t \u00a0 course\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0villa\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0lake.\t \u00a0Father\t \u00a0plays\t \u00a0golf\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0Mother,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 prefers\t \u00a0tennis-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Father\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wicked\t \u00a0backhand.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 restaurant\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0jewelry\t \u00a0stores;\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0businesses\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0spectacularly.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 plucked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0grape.\t \u00a0Put\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0lovingly,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0\\\"So\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0wire\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0flinched\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 little,\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"Besides,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0fight\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0Didn't\t \u00a0 join\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0them?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0dry.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0licked\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0dried\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0thirsty?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smirking.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0thirsty.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0fine,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truth\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0suddenly-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010sweat\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 bursting\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pores,\t \u00a0prickling\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0skin.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0happening?\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 really\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef?\t \u00a0\\\"As\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wish,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0I?\t \u00a0 Oh\t \u00a0yes,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban.\t \u00a0Well,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0remember,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 religious\t \u00a0type.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0epiphany.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0jail.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 hear?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Good.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0jail,\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Poleh-\u00ad\u2010Charkhi**,\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Babrak\t \u00a0Karmal\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01980.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 group\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Parchami\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0marched\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ordered\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0follow\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bastards\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0reason,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 wouldn't\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0questions.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mystery;\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0 knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0communists\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0class.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0poor\t \u00a0families\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0name.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0dogs\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lick\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoes\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Shorawi\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 now\t \u00a0ordering\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0gunpoint,\t \u00a0Parchami\t \u00a0flag\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0lapels,\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 point\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bourgeoisie\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0acting\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 class.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0happening\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over:\t \u00a0Round\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rich,\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0jail,\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 example\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0comrades.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0crammed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0groups\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0cells\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 size\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0refrigerator.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0commandant,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010Hazara,\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010Uzbek\t \u00a0 thing\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rotting\t \u00a0donkey,\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prisoners\t \u00a0 dragged\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cell\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fat\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette,\t \u00a0crack\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0joints,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0leave.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0pick\t \u00a0 someone\t \u00a0else.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0worse\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0peeing\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0Kidney\t \u00a0stones.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0 believe\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0worst\t \u00a0imaginable\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 kidney\t \u00a0stone.\t \u00a0Anyway,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do?\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0 kicking\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0knee-\u00ad\u2010high\t \u00a0boots\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0steel\t \u00a0toes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0game,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0suddenly,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0kidney\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0stone\t \u00a0passed.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that!\t \u00a0Oh,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0relief!\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0yelled\t \u00a0'Allah-\u00ad\u2010 u\t \u00a0akbar'\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0laughing.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0mad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0harder,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cell\t \u00a0laughing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0message\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0God:\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0reason.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0commandant\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0battlefield\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0 later-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010funny\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0works.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trench\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0Meymanah,\t \u00a0 bleeding\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0piece\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shrapnel\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 boots.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0no.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balls.\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 mission\t \u00a0since.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0mission\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0\\\"Stoning\t \u00a0adulterers?\t \u00a0Raping\t \u00a0 children?\t \u00a0Flogging\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0heels?\t \u00a0Massacring\t \u00a0Hazaras?\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Islam?\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0unexpectedly,\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0yank\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leash.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Swallow\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0line,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 alive\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0vanished\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0surprise\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0briefly,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0disappeared.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 see\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0enjoyable\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0all,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0snickering.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0 things\t \u00a0traitors\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0understand.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Like\t \u00a0what?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Assef's\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0twitched.\t \u00a0\\\"Like\t \u00a0pride\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0people,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0customs,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 language.\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0mansion\t \u00a0littered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0garbage,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 someone\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garbage.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Mazar,\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0door-\u00ad\u2010to-\u00ad\u2010door?\t \u00a0Taking\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 garbage?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Precisely.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0west,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0expression\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"They\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0ethnic\t \u00a0 cleansing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0they?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0brightened.\t \u00a0\\\"Ethnic\t \u00a0cleansing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"All\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Ethnic\t \u00a0cleansing,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0murmured,\t \u00a0tasting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 slaughter\t \u00a0sheep's\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mascara-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0how,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 day\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Eid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Qorban,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0backyard\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0apply\t \u00a0mascara\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 eyes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0feed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cube\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sugar\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0slicing\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0pleading\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0why,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pinched\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0earlobe\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0 Let\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0Sweat\t \u00a0beads\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0business.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coy\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0\\\"Or\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0disgusting,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know?\t \u00a0Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0place.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0why.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0business,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0emboldened\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0curt,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fact\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0die\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0wonder,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0wonder\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0 come\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara?\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0here?\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0reasons,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Very\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0then,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0sneering.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0shoved\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0 pushed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0hips\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table,\t \u00a0knocking\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0upside\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spilling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grapes.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0first,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stained\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0 purple\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0grape\t \u00a0juice.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0table's\t \u00a0legs,\t \u00a0crossing\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0balls,\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ceiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Take\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0then,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0helped\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0swatted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bits\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0grape\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stuck\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0barnacles\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pier.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go,\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0small,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0dry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0calloused.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0 moved,\t \u00a0laced\t \u00a0themselves\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0leg,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0 hip.\t \u00a0They'd\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0jingled\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 free.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0turned.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0earn\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0unfinished\t \u00a0business,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0 remember,\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0needn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0worried.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Daoud\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0 overthrew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0king.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0adult\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0whenever\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0Daoud\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0name,\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sling\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0One-\u00ad\u2010Eyed\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0instead\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0Goshkhor.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0envious\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0bravery.\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0backed\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0 promised\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0both.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0promise\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 Now\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0turn.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"All\t \u00a0right,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0knowing\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0beg;\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0sweetened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0\\\"In\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0finish\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0business.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear,\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0in!\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 hear\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0Looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Yes,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"When\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0alive,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0earned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0freedom\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0pass,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 understand?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 The\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0guard\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"If\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0pass!\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0flinched\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 nodded\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0stay,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0grinned.\t \u00a0\\\"Let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0Lessons\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 things\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0boys.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0beads.\t \u00a0Reached\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breast\t \u00a0 pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0vest.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0fished\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0surprise\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 bit:\t \u00a0stainless-\u00ad\u2010steel\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 HE\t \u00a0HAS\t \u00a0GEL\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0HIS\t \u00a0HAIR\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Clark\t \u00a0Gable\t \u00a0mustache\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0gel\t \u00a0 has\t \u00a0soaked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0surgical\t \u00a0cap,\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0stain\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shape\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Africa.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0That,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0chain\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0 neck.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0peering\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0rapidly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0language\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 understand,\t \u00a0Urdu,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Adam's\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0bobbing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0anyway-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0 far\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0young,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0actor\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0foreign\t \u00a0soap\t \u00a0opera-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0mutter\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0fight.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0fight.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0DON'T\t \u00a0KNOW\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0fight.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have?\t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0fought\t \u00a0anyone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0punch\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0memory\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fight\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0amazingly\t \u00a0vivid\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0stretches:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0slipping\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 prayer\t \u00a0rug,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oblong,\t \u00a0woven\t \u00a0Mecca,\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0landed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0sneeze.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0shoving\t \u00a0grapes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0snarl\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0spit-\u00ad\u2010shining\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bloodshot\t \u00a0 eyes\t \u00a0rolling.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0turban\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0point,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0curls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shoulder-\u00ad\u2010length\t \u00a0blond\t \u00a0 hair.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 And\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course.\t \u00a0That,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0perfect\t \u00a0clarity.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0will.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Mostly,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0 light;\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0blows\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0quickly\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0warmed\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0blood.\t \u00a0Getting\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nail\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0framed\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0 may\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0jabbing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0Tabla,\t \u00a0harmonium,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 dil-\u00ad\u2010roba.\t \u00a0Getting\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0knuckles\t \u00a0shattering\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jaw.\t \u00a0 Choking\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0swallowing\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0countless\t \u00a0 hours\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0flossing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0brushing.\t \u00a0Getting\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0Lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0floor,\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0split\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0staining\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mauve\t \u00a0carpet,\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0ripping\t \u00a0 through\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0belly,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0able\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0breathe\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0ribs\t \u00a0snapping\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0branches\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0break\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sword\t \u00a0 fight\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Sinbad\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0movies.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0 slamming\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0television\t \u00a0stand.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0snapping\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0Music.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0Fingers\t \u00a0grasping\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 hair,\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0twinkle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0stainless\t \u00a0steel.\t \u00a0Here\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0come.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0 snapping\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0Biting\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0pain,\t \u00a0noticing\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 teeth\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0align\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to.\t \u00a0Getting\t \u00a0kicked.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0laughing,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0laugh,\t \u00a0 hurt\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jaws,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ribs,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0laughing.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 harder\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0laughed,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0kicked\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0punched\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0scratched\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"WHAT'S\t \u00a0SO\t \u00a0FUNNY?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0roaring\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0blow.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0spittle\t \u00a0 landed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"WHAT'S\t \u00a0SO\t \u00a0FUNNY?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0bellowed.\t \u00a0Another\t \u00a0rib\t \u00a0snapped,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0 lower.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0funny\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a01975,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 felt\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0peace.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0hidden\t \u00a0nook\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 mind,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0forward\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0pelted\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pomegranates\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0provoke\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0 there,\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0nothing,\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0juice\t \u00a0soaking\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0blood.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 taken\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead.\t \u00a0Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 satisfied\t \u00a0now?\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0hissed.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0better?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0 felt\t \u00a0better,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0broken-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010just\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0badly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wouldn't\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0later-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0healed.\t \u00a0Healed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end.\t \u00a0That,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0grave:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0laughing,\t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0straddling\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mask\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lunacy,\t \u00a0framed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0snarls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0 swaying\t \u00a0inches\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 other,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles,\t \u00a0cocked\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 fist\t \u00a0higher,\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0blow.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then:\t \u00a0\\\"Bas.\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0looked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0more.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0director\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Farid.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name?\t \u00a0Zaman?\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0 inseparable\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tucks\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0waist\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0 everywhere\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0goes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0more.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Twin\t \u00a0trails\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0mascara,\t \u00a0mixed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0tears,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 cheeks,\t \u00a0smeared\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rouge.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0trembled.\t \u00a0Mucus\t \u00a0seeped\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0 \\\"Bas,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0croaked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0cocked\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slingshot\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0elastic\t \u00a0band\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cup,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0shiny\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0blinked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0balls\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0base.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slingshot\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0Agha.\t \u00a0Please,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0husky\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0trembling.\t \u00a0\\\"Stop\t \u00a0 hurting\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef's\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0wordlessly.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0doing?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0stop,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0pooling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0mixing\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0mascara.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0Hazara,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0hissed.\t \u00a0\\\"Put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gentle\t \u00a0ear\t \u00a0twisting\t \u00a0compared\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0free.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Please,\t \u00a0Agha,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \\\"Stop.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0anymore.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"PUT\t \u00a0IT\t \u00a0DOWN!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"PUT\t \u00a0IT\t \u00a0DOWN!\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0Lunged\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0slingshot\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thwiiiiit\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0released\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cup.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0 ago.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0oozed\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 white\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gel-\u00ad\u2010like.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0vitreous\t \u00a0fluid,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0clarity.\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0somewhere.\t \u00a0Vitreous\t \u00a0fluid.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0carpet.\t \u00a0Rolled\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0shrieking,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 cupped\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bloody\t \u00a0socket.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let's\t \u00a0go!\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0Helped\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0 inch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0battered\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0wailed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0shrieking.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"OUT!\t \u00a0GET\t \u00a0IT\t \u00a0OUT!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0"]