The-Kite-Runner

["\u00a0 Teetering,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0guards'\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0widened\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pashtu\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0blew\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 room\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0screaming.\t \u00a0\\\"OUT!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bia,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"Let's\t \u00a0go!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0stumbled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hallway,\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0 look\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0guards\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0huddled\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood:\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0stuck\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0socket.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0swooping\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hobbled\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steps,\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0above,\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0screams\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0cries\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wounded\t \u00a0animal.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0outside,\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0daylight,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 Sohrab's\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bismillah!\t \u00a0Bismillah!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0bulging\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sight\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0slung\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Carried\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 truck,\t \u00a0running.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sandals\t \u00a0pounded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 pavement,\t \u00a0slapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black,\t \u00a0calloused\t \u00a0heels.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0breathe.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0Cruiser,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backseat,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0upholstery\t \u00a0beige\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0ripped,\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ding-\u00ad\u2010ding-\u00ad\u2010ding\t \u00a0signaling\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Running\t \u00a0foot\t \u00a0 steps\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0exchanging\t \u00a0quick\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0 doors\t \u00a0slammed\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0roared\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0jerked\t \u00a0forward\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 felt\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0forehead.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street,\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0shouting,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0blurring\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sobbing.\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 repeating,\t \u00a0\\\"Bismillah!\t \u00a0Bismillah!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWENTY-\u00ad\u2010THREE\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Faces\t \u00a0poke\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0haze,\t \u00a0linger,\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0peer\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 questions.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0questions.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am?\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0anywhere?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0everywhere.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0hurts.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0 ten,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0rouge\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0smeared\t \u00a0black.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0child.\t \u00a0Yes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sorts,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 think\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0drives\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0fast.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0child-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0seems\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0important\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0important.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0crying,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0not.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0reason\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Faces.\t \u00a0They're\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0hats.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0slip\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0view\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0 talk\t \u00a0rapidly,\t \u00a0use\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0understand.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0voices,\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0noises,\t \u00a0 beeps\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0alarms.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0faces.\t \u00a0Peering\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gel\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Clark\t \u00a0Gable\t \u00a0mustache,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Africa\t \u00a0stain\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cap.\t \u00a0Mister\t \u00a0Soap\t \u00a0Opera\t \u00a0Star.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0funny.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0hurts\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 SHE\t \u00a0SAYS\t \u00a0HER\t \u00a0NAME\t \u00a0IS\t \u00a0AISHA,\t \u00a0\\\"like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prophet's\t \u00a0wife.\\\"\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0graying\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 parted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ponytail,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0nose\t \u00a0pierced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stud\t \u00a0shaped\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0wears\t \u00a0bifocals\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0bug\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0wears\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0soft.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0sees\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiles.\t \u00a0Says\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 English.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0jabbing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0MAN\t \u00a0IS\t \u00a0STANDING\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bedside.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lanky,\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 beard.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wears\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hat-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010what\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0hats\t \u00a0called?\t \u00a0Pakols?\t \u00a0Wears\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 side\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0famous\t \u00a0person\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0escapes\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 drove\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0somewhere\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bubbling\t \u00a0sound.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 MY\t \u00a0RIGHT\t \u00a0ARM\t \u00a0BURNS.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bifocals\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sun-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0stud\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 hunched\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arm,\t \u00a0attaching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0plastic\t \u00a0tubing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0\\\"the\t \u00a0 Potassium.\\\"\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0stings\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bee,\t \u00a0no?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0says.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0does.\t \u00a0What's\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0name?\t \u00a0 Something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0prophet.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 wear\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ponytail.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bun.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 hair\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that?\t \u00a0Last\t \u00a0week?\t \u00a0Aisha!\t \u00a0Yes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0jabbing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 chest.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0ARE\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0SULAIMAN\t \u00a0MOUNTAINS\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baluchistan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0wrestling\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0bear.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0childhood,\t \u00a0_Toophan\t \u00a0agha_,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0towering\t \u00a0 specimen\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Pashtun\t \u00a0might,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0withered\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blankets,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sunken\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hollow\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0patch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0grass,\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0beast,\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0curly\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0flying.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0roars,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 Baba.\t \u00a0Spittle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0fly;\t \u00a0claw\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0swipe.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 loud\t \u00a0thud\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bear's\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0digging\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0snout.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see.\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0wrestling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bear.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0wake\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0lanky\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bedside.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Farid,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0reminds\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bells.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0thirsty.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0fade\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0NAME\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0MAN\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Clark\t \u00a0Gable\t \u00a0mustache\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0 Faruqi.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soap\t \u00a0opera\t \u00a0star\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0head-\u00ad\u2010and-\u00ad\u2010neck\t \u00a0surgeon,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 kept\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0steamy\t \u00a0soap\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tropical\t \u00a0island.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Where\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0open.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0frowned.\t \u00a0 Grunted.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Armand\t \u00a0smiled;\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0teeth\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0blinding\t \u00a0white.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Not\t \u00a0yet,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"but\t \u00a0soon.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wires\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0out.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0 English\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thick,\t \u00a0rolling\t \u00a0Urdu\t \u00a0accent.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Wires?\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms;\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0hairy\t \u00a0forearms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0 wedding\t \u00a0band.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0 That's\t \u00a0perfectly\t \u00a0normal,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0post-\u00ad\u2010surgical\t \u00a0state\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0disorienting.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wires.\t \u00a0Post-\u00ad\u2010surgical?\t \u00a0Where\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Aisha?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wanted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0soft\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Armand\t \u00a0frowned,\t \u00a0cocked\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0eyebrow\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0self-\u00ad\u2010important\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0You've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0days.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0suffered\t \u00a0 some\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0significant\t \u00a0injuries,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0 lucky\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0alive,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friend.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0swayed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0index\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0","pendulum\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0\\\"Your\t \u00a0spleen\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0ruptured,\t \u00a0probably-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0 fortunately\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0delayed\t \u00a0rupture,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0signs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0 hemorrhage\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0abdominal\t \u00a0cavity.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0colleagues\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0surgery\t \u00a0 unit\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0perform\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0emergency\t \u00a0splenectomy.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0ruptured\t \u00a0earlier,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0bled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0death.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arm,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0IV,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0suffered\t \u00a0seven\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0ribs.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0caused\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 pneumothorax.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0frowned.\t \u00a0Tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0Remembered\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wires.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0punctured\t \u00a0lung,\\\"\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0explained.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tugged\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0 plastic\t \u00a0tubing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jabbing\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0sealed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 leak\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0tube.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tube\t \u00a0poking\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0bandages\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 chest\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0container\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0columns\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bubbling\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0suffered\t \u00a0various\t \u00a0lacerations.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0'cuts.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0meant;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0writer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0 Forgot\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wires\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0worst\t \u00a0laceration\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip,\\\"\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0impact\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0worry,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 plastics\t \u00a0guys\t \u00a0sewed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0excellent\t \u00a0 result,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0scar.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0unavoidable.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orbital\t \u00a0fracture\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0side;\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0socket\t \u00a0 bone,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fix\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wires\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 six\t \u00a0weeks,\\\"\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Until\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0liquids\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shakes.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0lose\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0 weight\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Al\t \u00a0Pacino\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0Godfather\t \u00a0movie\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0while.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0today.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 is?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0job\t \u00a0today\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pass\t \u00a0gas.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0feeding\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 liquids.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0fart,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0food.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Later,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Aisha\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0IV\t \u00a0tubing\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0asked,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Ruptured\t \u00a0spleen.\t \u00a0 Broken\t \u00a0teeth.\t \u00a0Punctured\t \u00a0lung.\t \u00a0Busted\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0socket.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pigeon\t \u00a0peck\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bread\t \u00a0crumb\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windowsill,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0 Armand\/Dr.\t \u00a0Faruqi\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said:\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0impact\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0upper\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 said,\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle.\t \u00a0Clean\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0harelip.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 FARID\t \u00a0AND\t \u00a0SOHRAB\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0visit\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0today?\t \u00a0 Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0remember?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010jokingly.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Al\t \u00a0hamdullellah!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0beaming.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0nonsense.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Farid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0wired\t \u00a0shut.\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0right-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0 did\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Al\t \u00a0Pacino\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Godfather.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0surprised\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 time\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0poked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0spaces\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teeth\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0swallowed.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 mean,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0everything.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0blushed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0\\\"Bas,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0worthy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0outfit,\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0pirhan-\u00ad\u2010tumban\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 looked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0skullcap.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0 toying\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0IV\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0coiled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0properly\t \u00a0introduced,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0 Amir.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0Father\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 about?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0letter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Farzana\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0growing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0 games\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mischief\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cause!\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0owe\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0thanks\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0saved\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 life.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0clothes,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mumbled.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They're\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0son's,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0outgrown\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 pretty\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0say.\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 place\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets.\t \u00a0Besides,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0liking\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Ha,\t \u00a0Sohrab?\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0twirling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0finger.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0meaning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hesitantly.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0house?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Talib?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0deserved,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0push\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0occurred\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0somewhere\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0friends.\t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0meaning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0answer.\t \u00a0\\\"Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0gone.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0skipped.\t \u00a0\\\"Is\t \u00a0he-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0just...\t \u00a0gone.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0piece\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0key.\t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0landlord\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0did.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0go?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0shrugged.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0landlord\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 letter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0key\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leave.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0\\\"I'd\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0 go.\t \u00a0Bia,\t \u00a0Sohrab.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Could\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Pick\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0later?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0while?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0shrugged\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0pick\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0evening\t \u00a0_namaz_.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THERE\t \u00a0WERE\t \u00a0THREE\t \u00a0OTHER\t \u00a0PATIENTS\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0men,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cast\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leg,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0wheezing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0asthma,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 sixteen\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0appendix\t \u00a0surgery.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cast\t \u00a0stared\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0 blinking,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0switching\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stool.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0 roommates'\t \u00a0families-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010old\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bright\t \u00a0shalwar-\u00ad\u2010kameezes,\t \u00a0children,\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0 wearing\t \u00a0skullcaps-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010shuffled\t \u00a0noisily\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0pakoras,\t \u00a0_naan_,\t \u00a0sa,nosas,\t \u00a0biryani.\t \u00a0Sometimes\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0wandered\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tall,\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 arrived.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Aisha\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Urdu.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0attention\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scanned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0longer\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0necessary.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0nurse\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0shrugged,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hungry?\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0lady\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0plate\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0biryani,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0 it,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\t \u00a0silent,\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0propped\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 pillows\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0stool\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0 asleep\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0point,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0woke\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0daylight\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0dimmed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 shadows\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stretched,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THAT\t \u00a0NIGHT,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0Sohrab,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0unfolded\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0letter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 delayed\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0possible.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0read:\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 reached\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0safely.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0harm's\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 Afghanistan\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0unkind\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0prayers\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0left.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0suspect\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0shortly\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0happened.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrong,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 do\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0happened.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0troubled\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0yourself\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0are-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Peshawar.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0heed\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0conscience,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 goodness,\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0suffer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0suffering\t \u00a0comes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 journey\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0ashamed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lies\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0angry\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 doesn't\t \u00a0absolve\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0anything,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 strange\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0mattered\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 growing\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0suffered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yearned\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0affections,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0 bled\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0torn\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0halves,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan:\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0both,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0longed\t \u00a0 to,\t \u00a0openly,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0instead-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Amir,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0socially\t \u00a0 legitimate\t \u00a0half,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0represented\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0riches\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0inherited\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sin-\u00ad\u2010 with-\u00ad\u2010impunity\t \u00a0privileges\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0guilt.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0angry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realize\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0far\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0expect\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 accept\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0someday\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 you,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tortured\t \u00a0soul,\t \u00a0 Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0cannot\t \u00a0describe\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0depth\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blackness\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sorrow\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0passing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0friend,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0","also\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0understand,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0good,\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0good,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0born\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0 remorse.\t \u00a0Sometimes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0did,\t \u00a0feeding\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poor\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\t \u00a0 building\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage,\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0need,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 redeeming\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0believe,\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0true\t \u00a0redemption\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0leads\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0forgive.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same.\t \u00a0Forgive\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can.\t \u00a0Forgive\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wish.\t \u00a0But,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0important,\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0yourself.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0money,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0left,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0fact.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 may\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0expenses\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0return\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bank\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar;\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0location.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0safe-\u00ad\u2010deposit\t \u00a0box.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0key.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 As\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0spend\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 alone.\t \u00a0Please\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0request\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0God.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Your\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0always,\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0gown\t \u00a0sleeve\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0letter\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mattress.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Amir,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0socially\t \u00a0legitimate\t \u00a0half,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0represented\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0riches\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0inherited\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sin-\u00ad\u2010with-\u00ad\u2010impunity\t \u00a0privileges\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0terms\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered.\t \u00a0 Selling\t \u00a0junk\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0petty\t \u00a0cash,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0menial\t \u00a0jobs,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0grimy\t \u00a0apartment-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0 version\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hut;\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Hassan.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tortured\t \u00a0soul,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0written.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0 so.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0sinned\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0betrayed.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0create\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0remorse.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0guilt\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0 same\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0betrayed,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0try\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0insomniac?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0things?\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 nurse-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010not\t \u00a0Aisha\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0red-\u00ad\u2010haired\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0escapes\t \u00a0me-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010walked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0syringe\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0needed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0morphine\t \u00a0injection,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0yes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THEY\t \u00a0REMOVED\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0CHEST\t \u00a0TUBE\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 staff\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0go-\u00ad\u2010ahead\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0sip\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0juice.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Aisha\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 placed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0juice\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dresser\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0bifocals\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curtain\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0flood\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 room.\t \u00a0\\\"Remember,\t \u00a0now,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0\\\"it\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0 days.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0son-\u00ad\u2010in-\u00ad\u2010law\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moped\t \u00a0accident\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0year.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0handsome\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 dragged\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0asphalt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0eggplant.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0 again,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hollywood\t \u00a0movie\t \u00a0star.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Despite\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0reassurances,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 insisted\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0breathless.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 stuck\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0pump\t \u00a0nozzle\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0pumped\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 puffy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blue.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0worst\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grotesque\t \u00a0blob\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 red,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0bruise\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stitches.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bolt\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0ripped\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 lips.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0stitches\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0 cheek,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chin,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hairline.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0cast\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Urdu.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shrug\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0grinned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wide,\t \u00a0 toothless\t \u00a0grin.\t \u00a0\\\"Very\t \u00a0good,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English.\t \u00a0\\\"Ins\t \u00a0hallah**.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0whispered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 seat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stool,\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed's\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0rail.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sooner\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0better,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Dr.\t \u00a0Faruqi\t \u00a0says-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"-\u00ad\u2010\t \u00a0\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hospital.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0Peshawar.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0long,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0lowered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 voice.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0have,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0murmured.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bearded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0wandered\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0\\\"As\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0walk,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Islamabad.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0 entirely\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0either,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0At\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0 it\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0time.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Farid\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0shouldn't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0waving\t \u00a0gesture.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0young,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0 shrewd.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0mothers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sisters.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0 \\\"Besides,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0free.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0offered,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forgot\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tried.\t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0streak\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0trickled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chin.\t \u00a0\\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0favor?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"For\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0over,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 And,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crying.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hitched\t \u00a0gusts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0air,\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0gushing\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0stinging\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0raw\t \u00a0flesh\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0matter?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0alarmed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0 room\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0After,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0tired,\t \u00a0hollow.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0frown\t \u00a0creasing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0needed.\t \u00a0\\\"Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 live\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0write\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0names,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0eyeing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 cautiously,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0next.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0scribbled\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0names\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0scrap\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0towel.\t \u00a0\\\"John\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0Caldwell.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0pocketed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0piece\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0paper.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0soon\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 can,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"As\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0pick\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0evening.\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0 tire\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0much.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wandered\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010dozen\t \u00a0pigeons\t \u00a0 strutted\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sill,\t \u00a0pecking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0wood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scraps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0bread.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IN\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0MIDDLE\t \u00a0DRAWER\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dresser\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 _National\t \u00a0Geographic_\t \u00a0magazine,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chewed-\u00ad\u2010up\t \u00a0pencil,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0comb\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0missing\t \u00a0teeth,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0reaching\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0pouring\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0effort:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 deck\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cards.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0counted\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0earlier\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0surprisingly,\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deck\t \u00a0 complete.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0expect\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0 alone\t \u00a0play.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0quiet\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fled\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0game\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 panjpar.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grand\t \u00a0master\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0panjpar.\t \u00a0 World\t \u00a0renowned.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stool\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dealt\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0cards.\t \u00a0\\\"When\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0age,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0game.\t \u00a0Especially\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 winter,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0snowed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0outside.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 went\t \u00a0down.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0card\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pile.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stole\t \u00a0looks\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0pondered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cards.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0ways:\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0fanned\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cards\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0squinted\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0rarely\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0person\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0won\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0game,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0win\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 lost\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0fair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0square.\t \u00a0\\\"You're\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0 better,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0loss.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0beat\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0sometimes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0win.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0paused\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0\\\"Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0nursed\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 woman.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What...\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0us?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0had,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0twirled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jack\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0diamonds\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers,\t \u00a0flipped\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0 wasn't\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0friend,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0afraid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0friend.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Would\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right?\t \u00a0Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 that?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm,\t \u00a0gingerly,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0flinched.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cards\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0pushed\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stool.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 awash\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0streaks\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 street\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0succession\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0honks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0braying\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0donkey,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whistle\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0policeman.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0crimson\t \u00a0light,\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glass,\t \u00a0 fists\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0armpits.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 AISHA\t \u00a0HAD\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0MALE\t \u00a0ASSISTANT\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0once,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0clutching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheeled\t \u00a0IV\t \u00a0stand,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0","other\t \u00a0clasping\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0assistant's\t \u00a0fore\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 bed,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0incision\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0throbbed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 drenching\t \u00a0sweat.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0gasping,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0hammering\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ears,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0 how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0missed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wife.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0panjpar\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0spoke,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0panjpar,\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0propped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0stool,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0routine\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hall.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0later\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0dreamed\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doorway\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0socket.\t \u00a0\\\"We're\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0nursed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 him,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0twin.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0TOLD\t \u00a0ARMAND\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0leaving.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0discharge,\\\"\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0protested.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 surgical\t \u00a0scrubs\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0instead\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0button-\u00ad\u2010down\t \u00a0navy\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0tie.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0gel\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0intravenous\t \u00a0antibiotics\t \u00a0and-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0appreciate\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 you.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Really.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0leave.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0go?\\\"\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'd\t \u00a0rather\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0say.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0walk.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0back,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0fine.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 The\t \u00a0plan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0Leave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hospital.\t \u00a0Get\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0safe-\u00ad\u2010 deposit\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0medical\t \u00a0bills.\t \u00a0Drive\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0drop\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 off\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0Caldwell.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Islamabad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0travel\t \u00a0 plans.\t \u00a0Give\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0better.\t \u00a0Fly\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plan,\t \u00a0anyway.\t \u00a0Until\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0arrived\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0morning.\t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0friends,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0Caldwell,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0aren't\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0slip\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pirhan\t \u00a0tumban.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0insert\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0tube\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arm,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 stomach\t \u00a0throbbed\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0over.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0drawing\t \u00a0ragged\t \u00a0breaths\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0effort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0packing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0belongings\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0bag.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 managed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0ready\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0news.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0go?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0understand-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Because\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.\t \u00a0consulate,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0picking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bag.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0John\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Betty\t \u00a0Caldwell\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0According\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 consulate,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0existed.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0anyhow.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0flipping\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0National\t \u00a0 Geographic.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0GOT\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0MONEY\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bank.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0manager,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paunchy\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0 patches\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms,\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0smiles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bank\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0touched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Absolutely\t \u00a0nobody,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0gravely,\t \u00a0swinging\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0index\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0 way\t \u00a0Armand\t \u00a0had.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Driving\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 slightly\t \u00a0frightening\t \u00a0experience.\t \u00a0Plus,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0suspected\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0stared\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Talib\t \u00a0killer,\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0Assef.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0compounded\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fears:\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bearded\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everybody\t \u00a0stares.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 hospital\t \u00a0accounting\t \u00a0office\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backseat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Land\t \u00a0 Cruiser,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0traffic\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rolled-\u00ad\u2010down\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 palms.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0panting.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0can't,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0I-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0Farid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0mouths\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0feed.\\\"\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0dog\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0propped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0legs,\t \u00a0 paws\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0tail\t \u00a0wagging.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0petting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dog.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 goes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Islamabad\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0now,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0SLEPT\t \u00a0THROUGH\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0four-\u00ad\u2010hour\t \u00a0ride\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Islamabad.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0dreamed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 lot,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hodgepodge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0images,\t \u00a0snippets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0visual\t \u00a0 memory\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0cards\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Rolodex:\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0marinating\t \u00a0lamb\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0thirteenth\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0party.\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 rising\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0east,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0ears\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0ringing\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0music,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0henna-\u00ad\u2010 painted\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0laced\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 strawberry\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0owner\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0 wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0kilos-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0bellyaches.\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0dark,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0black,\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow,\t \u00a0 dropping\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants.\t \u00a0Blood\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0powerful\t \u00a0thing,\t \u00a0bachem.\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0 Jamila\t \u00a0patting\t \u00a0Soraya's\t \u00a0knee\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0best,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0be.\t \u00a0Sleeping\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0sin\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 mattered\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0theft.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lie,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truth.\t \u00a0","Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phone,\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0again...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TWENTY-\u00ad\u2010FOUR\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 If\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0 Islamabad\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0someday.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 wider\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0Peshawar's,\t \u00a0cleaner,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0hibiscus\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0flame\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0bazaars\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0organized\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0clogged\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0rickshaws\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 pedestrians.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0architecture\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0elegant\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0modern,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0 parks\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0roses\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0jasmine\t \u00a0bloomed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Farid\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 Margalla\t \u00a0Hills.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0famous\t \u00a0Shah\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0Mosque\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0 reputedly\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0biggest\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0giant\t \u00a0concrete\t \u00a0girders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 soaring\t \u00a0minarets.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0perked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sight\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque,\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0HOTEL\t \u00a0ROOM\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0vast\t \u00a0improvement\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stayed.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0clean,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0carpet\t \u00a0vacuumed,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0 spotless.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shampoo,\t \u00a0soap,\t \u00a0razors\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0shaving,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bathtub,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0towels\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0lemon.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0bloodstains\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0thing:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0television\t \u00a0 set\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dresser\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0beds.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Look!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0manually-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010no\t \u00a0remote-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0dial.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0children's\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0fluffy\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0puppets\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Urdu.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0beds\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0Images\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0reflected\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0watched,\t \u00a0stone-\u00ad\u2010faced,\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0promised\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0 TV\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0going,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha,\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Stay\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0drive.\t \u00a0Leave\t \u00a0tomorrow.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tashakor,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0tonight.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0children.\\\"\t \u00a0 On\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0paused\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doorway.\t \u00a0\\\"Good-\u00ad\u2010bye,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0reply,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0attention.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0rocked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0forth,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0glow\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0images\t \u00a0flickering\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0screen.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Outside,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0envelope.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0tore\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0opened.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You've\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0here?\\\"\t \u00a0Farid\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0dazed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0dollars.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Two\t \u00a0thou-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0began.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0lip\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0quivering\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0Later,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 pulled\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curb,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0honked\t \u00a0twice\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waved.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0curled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0C.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sleeping.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0 off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0television.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0grimaced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pain,\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0 off\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0brow.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0longer\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0able\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0solid\t \u00a0food.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wounded\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0 knew.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0carafe\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dresser.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0poured\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0Armand's\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0pills.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bitter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curtains,\t \u00a0 eased\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0rip\t \u00a0open.\t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0notch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0breathe\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Armand's\t \u00a0pills\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0work.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WHEN\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0WOKE\t \u00a0UP,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0darker.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0slice\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0peeking\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 curtains\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0twilight\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0soaked\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0pounded.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0dreaming\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0about.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sick\t \u00a0lurch\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 empty\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0disorienting,\t \u00a0 sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0thousands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0miles\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0broken,\t \u00a0 calling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 heard\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0struggled\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 narrow\t \u00a0hallway\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hobbled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0manager's\t \u00a0office\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lobby,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 hand\t \u00a0clutching\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rail\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walkway\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0support.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fake,\t \u00a0dusty\t \u00a0 palm\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lobby\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0flying\t \u00a0pink\t \u00a0flamingos\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wallpaper.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0manager\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0newspaper\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Formica-\u00ad\u2010topped\t \u00a0check-\u00ad\u2010 in\t \u00a0counter.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0described\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 paper\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0glasses.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0greasy\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0square-\u00ad\u2010shaped\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0mustache\t \u00a0speckled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0gray.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0vaguely\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0tropical\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 couldn't\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0recognize.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Boys,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0around,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0sighing.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0 day\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0troubling\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0mother.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0fanned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0newspaper,\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jaws.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0around,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0 I'm\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0lost.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0bobbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy,\t \u00a0mister.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0asleep\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0woke\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Boys\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0tended\t \u00a0to,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pulse\t \u00a0quickening.\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0oblivious\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 apprehension?\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0newspaper\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0resumed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fanning.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0bicycles\t \u00a0now\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"My\t \u00a0boys,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"They're\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0'Daddy,\t \u00a0Daddy,\t \u00a0please\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0bicycles\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0we'll\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0trouble\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Please,\t \u00a0Daddy!\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 nose.\t \u00a0\\\"Bicycles.\t \u00a0Their\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0kill\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0swear\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0imagined\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ditch.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trunk\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0car,\t \u00a0bound\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 gagged.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0\\\"Please...\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 squinted.\t \u00a0Read\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0tag\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lapel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0short-\u00ad\u2010sleeve\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0cotton\t \u00a0shirt.\t \u00a0 \\\"Mr.\t \u00a0Fayyaz,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0boy?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0\\\"Yes,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy!\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 or\t \u00a0not,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0God's\t \u00a0sake?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0fanning\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0narrowed.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0smart\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 friend.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0rushing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0wrong.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0fault.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Sorry,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0curtly.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0glasses\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0Snapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0newspaper\t \u00a0 open.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0boy.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counter\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0minute,\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0scream.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0exiting\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0lobby,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"Any\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0wandered\t \u00a0to?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0tired.\t \u00a0Tired\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0scared.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Does\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0interests?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0paper.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0 boys,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0example,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0action\t \u00a0films,\t \u00a0especially\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Arnold\t \u00a0??WThatsanegger-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0mosque!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0mosque.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 mosque\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0jolted\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0stupor\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0driven\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 leaned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Shah\t \u00a0Faisal?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\t \u00a0Can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0there?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0biggest\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0but-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0courtyard\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0fit\t \u00a0forty\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0people.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0there?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kilometer\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0here,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0 away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counter.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0pay\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ride,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Wait\t \u00a0here.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0disappeared\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 room,\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0eyeglasses,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0keys\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0short,\t \u00a0chubby\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orange\t \u00a0sari\t \u00a0trailing\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counter.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0money,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0blowing\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0 drive\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0THOUGHT\t \u00a0WE'D\t \u00a0END\t \u00a0UP\t \u00a0DRIVING\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0fell.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0 calling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0police,\t \u00a0describing\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0Fayyaz's\t \u00a0reproachful\t \u00a0glare.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0officer,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0uninterested,\t \u00a0asking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0obligatory\t \u00a0 questions.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0official\t \u00a0questions,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unofficial\t \u00a0one:\t \u00a0Who\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hell\t \u00a0 cared\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0kid?\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0yards\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010full\t \u00a0parking\t \u00a0lot,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0island\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0grass.\t \u00a0Fayyaz\t \u00a0 pulled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0island\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0back,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0fine.\t \u00a0We'll\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0back,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Fayyaz.\t \u00a0Really.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0\\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sure.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0twilight,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0eyeglasses\t \u00a0reflecting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 fading\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0Afghanis\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that...\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 reckless.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0throbbed.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0damn\t \u00a0wounds\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 chest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0barbed\t \u00a0wire\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0skin.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0 anyway.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What...\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0I...\\\"\t \u00a0Fayyaz\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0cackling\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0full-\u00ad\u2010 throated\t \u00a0bursts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0spilling\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wired\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Crazy\t \u00a0people,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0tires\t \u00a0screeched\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0peeled\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tail-\u00ad\u2010 lights\t \u00a0blinking\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dimming\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0GAVE\t \u00a0ME\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0GOOD\t \u00a0SCARE,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0wincing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bent.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque.\t \u00a0Shah\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0Mosque\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shaped\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 giant\t \u00a0tent.\t \u00a0Cars\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0went;\t \u00a0worshipers\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0streamed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 out.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence,\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tree,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 chest.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0prayer,\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0building's\t \u00a0hundreds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lights\t \u00a0 come\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0daylight\t \u00a0faded.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0sparkled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0diamond\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky,\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Mazar-\u00ad\u2010i-\u00ad\u2010Sharif?\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0kneecaps.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0much.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Father\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0Mother\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sasa\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 Father\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0monkey\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bazaar.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0blow\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bow\t \u00a0tie.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kid.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Father\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Blue\t \u00a0Mosque,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0pigeons\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0masjid,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0Sasa\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0pieces\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0_naan_\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0birds.\t \u00a0 Soon,\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0pigeons\t \u00a0cooing\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0fun.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0much,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0drag\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hoped\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0hadn't.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0parents?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0asked,\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheek\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0 looking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0parents?\t \u00a0Well,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0died\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0 years\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0yes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Sometimes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0neck,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0unruly\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0 Sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lap\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0trunks.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0like,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0starting\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0faces,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0bad?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Time\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0 pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0coat.\t \u00a0Found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0snap\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"Here,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0within\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0inch\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0cry,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0traced\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thumb\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0surface.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0somewhere,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it:\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0 are\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0childhood.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stretched\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 give\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Keep\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0yours.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0photo\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stowed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pocket\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0vest.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0horse-\u00ad\u2010drawn\t \u00a0cart\t \u00a0clip-\u00ad\u2010clopped\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0parking\t \u00a0lot.\t \u00a0Little\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0 dangled\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0horse's\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0jingled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0step.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0mosques\t \u00a0lately,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0have?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0them?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0shrugged.\t \u00a0\\\"Just\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0them.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0straight\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0crying,\t \u00a0softly,\t \u00a0silently.\t \u00a0\\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Will\t \u00a0God...\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0began,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0choked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0\\\"Will\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hell\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0man?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0flinched.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0\\\"Nay.\t \u00a0Of\t \u00a0course\t \u00a0not,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0close,\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0unkind\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 him,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0around.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0twisted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0strained\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0composed.\t \u00a0\\\"Father\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 wrong\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0better,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0 bad\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0good.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Not\t \u00a0always,\t \u00a0Sohrab.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0questioningly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0figured\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0conversation\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had.\t \u00a0He...\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0age,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0saved\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0 brave\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0rescuing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0trouble,\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 day\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0instead.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 couldn't\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0saved\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father?\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wheezy\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 voice.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0anyone.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0man.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0 people\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0bad.\t \u00a0Sometimes\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 man\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 deserved,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0deserved\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0more.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0Father\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0disappointed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0me?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0not,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0saved\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0 proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sleeve\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bubble\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spittle\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0formed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wept\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0 before\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0Father,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Mother\t \u00a0too,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0croaked.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0 Sasa\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0sahib.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0sometimes\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0glad\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0...\t \u00a0they're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 here\t \u00a0anymore.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0touched\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Because-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0gasping\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hitching\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0sobs,\t \u00a0\\\"because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0me...\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0dirty.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0sucked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 long,\t \u00a0wheezy\t \u00a0cry.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0dirty\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sin.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0dirty,\t \u00a0Sohrab,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Those\t \u00a0men-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0dirty\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010they\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0things...\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two...\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0things...\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0 things\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0dirty,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sin.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0touched\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0gently,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 whispered.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0promise.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0resisted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0Slackened.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0convulsed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0 sob.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0kinship\t \u00a0exists\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who've\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0breast.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy's\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0soaked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shirt,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kinship\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0root\t \u00a0","between\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0irrevocably\t \u00a0 bound\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0buzzing\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0keeping\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bright\t \u00a0lights\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 God\t \u00a0shining\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wife?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0answer.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0sobbed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 FOR\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0WEEK,\t \u00a0neither\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0mentioned\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 question\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0posed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0taxicab\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Daman-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Koh\t \u00a0Viewpoint-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010or\t \u00a0\\\"the\t \u00a0hem\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mountain.\\\"\t \u00a0Perched\t \u00a0midway\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Margalla\t \u00a0Hills,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0gives\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0panoramic\t \u00a0view\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Islamabad,\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0clean,\t \u00a0tree-\u00ad\u2010 lined\t \u00a0avenues\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0houses.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0presidential\t \u00a0 palace\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0rained\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0clear,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0 Rawalpindi,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0rearview\t \u00a0mirror,\t \u00a0skipping\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth,\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0swollen\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0tint\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0assortment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0bruises.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bench\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0picnic\t \u00a0areas,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shade\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gum\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0perched\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0topaz\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0benches\t \u00a0nearby,\t \u00a0 families\t \u00a0snacked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0samosas\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pakoras.\t \u00a0Somewhere,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0radio\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0 song\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0movie,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0Pakeeza.\t \u00a0Kids,\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0age,\t \u00a0chased\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0balls,\t \u00a0giggling,\t \u00a0yelling.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 orphanage\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Karteh-\u00ad\u2010Seh,\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rat\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0scurried\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 feet\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Zaman's\t \u00a0office.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0tightened\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0surge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0unexpected\t \u00a0anger\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 way\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0countrymen\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0destroying\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0land.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0important.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0unrolled\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel's\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0towels\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0picnic\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 played\t \u00a0panjpar\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0brother's\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0","cards,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warmth\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0patting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0song\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 another\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0started,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0recognize.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Look,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cards.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0 up,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hawk\t \u00a0circling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0broad\t \u00a0seamless\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0\\\"Didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 hawks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Islamabad,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Me\t \u00a0neither,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0tracing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bird's\t \u00a0circular\t \u00a0flight.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0live?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"San\t \u00a0Francisco?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0so.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0many,\t \u00a0though.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hoping\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0more,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0dealt\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0eat.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0bag\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0meatball\t \u00a0 sandwich.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0lunch\t \u00a0consisted\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0cup\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blended\t \u00a0bananas\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 oranges-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I'd\t \u00a0rented\t \u00a0Mrs.\t \u00a0Fayyaz's\t \u00a0blender\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sucked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 straw\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sweet,\t \u00a0blended\t \u00a0fruit.\t \u00a0Some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0dripped\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0napkin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0dab\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 lips.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0brothers,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mosque,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 know;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hide\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0anymore.\t \u00a0\\\"Half\t \u00a0brothers,\t \u00a0really.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 same\t \u00a0father.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0chewing.\t \u00a0Put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sandwich\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0\\\"Father\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brother.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0know?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 recently.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 very\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0hide\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0answer,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0Let's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I...\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0brothers.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0willed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Did\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0began,\t \u00a0eyeing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0food,\t \u00a0\\\"did\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0equally?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0ago\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Ghargha\t \u00a0Lake,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0allowed\t \u00a0 himself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pat\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0stone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0skipped\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 pictured\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hospital\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0beaming\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0removed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bandages\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0equally\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0differently.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Was\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0ashamed\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0ashamed\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0himself.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sandwich\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nibbled\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0silently.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0LEFT\t \u00a0LATE\t \u00a0THAT\t \u00a0AFTERNOON,\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0heat,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pleasant\t \u00a0 way.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 store\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0sold\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0cards.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tip\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 buying\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 That\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0beds,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0TV.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0 clerics\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pepper\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0beards\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0turbans\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0calls\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0faithful\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0caller\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Finland,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0Ayub,\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0 if\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0teenaged\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hell\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0baggy\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seam\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0underwear\t \u00a0showed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0San\t \u00a0Francisco\t \u00a0once,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Really?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0bridge\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0building\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pointy\t \u00a0top.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0them?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0TV\t \u00a0screen,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0 mullahs\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0consulting\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They're\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0steep,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hood\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0sounds\t \u00a0scary,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0facing\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 TV.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0times,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Does\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0there?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fog.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0bridge\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saw?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Sometimes\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fog\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tip\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0towers\t \u00a0poking\t \u00a0through.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wonder\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0\\\"Oh.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sohrab?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0before?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0faded.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Laced\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0mullahs\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Ayub's\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hell\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 pants\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0did.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0claimed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Haddith.\t \u00a0\\\"I've\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0scares\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0scary,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0grabbing\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0thread\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0hope.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0learn\t \u00a0English\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0fast\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mean.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0scares\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0but...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0what?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0Drew\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 me?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0me?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0struggled\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0space\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0beside\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Sohrab,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Not\t \u00a0ever.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0promise.\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0nephew,\t \u00a0remember?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0she's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0woman.\t \u00a0Trust\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0 she's\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0promise\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0chanced\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0Reached\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0tightened\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0orphanage,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0happen.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0promise\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0cupped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 both\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0mine.\t \u00a0\\\"Come\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0soaking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pillow.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0squeezed\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0CONNECTION\t \u00a0WENT\t \u00a0THROUGH\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fourth\t \u00a0try.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 times\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0\\\"Hello?\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a07:30\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0evening\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Islamabad,\t \u00a0 roughly\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0California.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour,\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0ready\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0school.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir!\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0screamed.\t \u00a0\\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0okay?\t \u00a0Where\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0earlier?\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0sick\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0tashweesh!\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0 praying\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0nazr\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0day.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0call.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0fine\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week,\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0month.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0Khala\t \u00a0Jamila\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0killing\t \u00a0sheep.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0'fine\t \u00a0now'?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0what's\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0voice?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0worry\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0fine.\t \u00a0Really.\t \u00a0Soraya,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0thing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0lower\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0cautious.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0bringing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0paused.\t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0adopt\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0fifty-\u00ad\u2010seven\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0stupid\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0 card\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Sit\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0where.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0 dragged\t \u00a0hurriedly\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wooden\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go\t \u00a0ahead,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0marriage:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0 everything.\t \u00a0Everything.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0pictured\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0times,\t \u00a0dreaded\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0 but,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0spoke,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0lifting\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0imagined\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 experienced\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0similar\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0khastegari,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0past.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0story,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0weeping.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0You've\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0once.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0realize\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0blowing\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0nose.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0much:\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0sure?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sure?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Amir,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0qaom,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0family,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 qaom\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0Of\t \u00a0course\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sure.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets.\\\"\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 short\t \u00a0pause.\t \u00a0\\\"What's\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0like?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0sleeping\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0sweet,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0solemn\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0way.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0blame\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0do.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Soraya?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yeah.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Dostet\t \u00a0darum.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0back,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 careful.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0will.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0thing.\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Okay.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0LAWN\t \u00a0OUTSIDE\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0embassy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Islamabad\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0neatly\t \u00a0mowed,\t \u00a0 dotted\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0circular\t \u00a0clusters\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0flowers,\t \u00a0bordered\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0razor-\u00ad\u2010straight\t \u00a0hedges.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 building\t \u00a0itself\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0buildings\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Islamabad:\t \u00a0flat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0white.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0 through\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0different\t \u00a0security\t \u00a0officials\t \u00a0 conducted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0search\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wires\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0metal\t \u00a0 detectors.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0heat,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air-\u00ad\u2010conditioning\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 face\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0splash\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0ice\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0secretary\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lobby,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fifty-\u00ad\u2010something,\t \u00a0lean-\u00ad\u2010 faced\t \u00a0blond\t \u00a0woman,\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0name.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beige\t \u00a0blouse\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0slacks-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0weeks\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0burqa\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shalwar-\u00ad\u2010kameez.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0appointment\t \u00a0list,\t \u00a0 tapping\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eraser\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0pencil\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0seat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0lemonade?\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"None\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0son?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Excuse\t \u00a0me?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0handsome\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0gentleman,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh.\t \u00a0That'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0nice,\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0sofa\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0reception\t \u00a0desk,\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0flag.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0magazine\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glass-\u00ad\u2010top\t \u00a0coffee\t \u00a0 table.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0flipped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pages,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pictures.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Sorry?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0smiling.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nervous\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0Picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0magazine\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0flipped\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0thirty\t \u00a0seconds.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0afraid,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0touching\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0\\\"These\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0friendly.\t \u00a0 Relax.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0advice.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0shifting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0seat,\t \u00a0untying\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 retying\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoelaces.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0secretary\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lemonade\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0ice\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0coffee\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0go.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0shyly.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0much,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0\\\"Tank\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wery\t \u00a0match.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0English\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0knew,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0\\\"Have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nice\t \u00a0day.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 She\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0\\\"You're\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0welcome.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0desk,\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0 heels\t \u00a0clicking\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nice\t \u00a0day,\\\"\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 RAYMOND\t \u00a0ANDREWS\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0nails\t \u00a0perfectly\t \u00a0 trimmed,\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0band\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ring\t \u00a0finger.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0curt\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0shake;\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0squeezing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sparrow.\t \u00a0Those\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0fates,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0seated\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0selves\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0_Les\t \u00a0Miserables_\t \u00a0poster\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0nailed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0topographical\t \u00a0map\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 pot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tomato\t \u00a0plants\t \u00a0basked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0windowsill.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Smoke?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0asked,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0baritone\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0odds\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 slight\t \u00a0stature.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0caring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0Andrews's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0 gave\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glance,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0 open\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0drawer\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010empty\t \u00a0pack.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0produced\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0bottle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0lotion\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0drawer.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tomato\t \u00a0plants\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 rubbed\t \u00a0lotion\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0dangling\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0drawer,\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0elbows\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0desktop,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0exhaled.\t \u00a0\\\"So,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 said,\t \u00a0crinkling\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smoke,\t \u00a0\\\"tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0story.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Jean\t \u00a0Valjean\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Javert.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reminded\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0soil\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 helping\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0adopt\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0boy,\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0States\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 me,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0story,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0repeated,\t \u00a0crushing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flake\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0ash\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neatly\t \u00a0 arranged\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0index\t \u00a0finger,\t \u00a0flicking\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trash\t \u00a0can.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0version\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 Soraya.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0brother's\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0squalid\t \u00a0conditions,\t \u00a0wasting\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0director\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sum\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0withdrawn\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 brought\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Pakistan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy's\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0uncle?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0Leaned\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tomato\t \u00a0plants\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sill.\t \u00a0 \\\"Know\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0attest\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0now.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0couldn't.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0poker.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0assume\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0jaws\t \u00a0wired\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0latest\t \u00a0fashion\t \u00a0statement,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0trouble,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0then.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0gotten\t \u00a0 mugged\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0\\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0Muslim?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Practicing?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0truth,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0laid\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0forehead\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0ground\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0prayer.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0remember:\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0Dr.\t \u00a0Amani\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 prognosis.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0kneeled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0rug,\t \u00a0remembering\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0fragments\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 verses\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0school.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Helps\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0case\t \u00a0some,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0much,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0scratching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0spot\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 flawless\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sandy\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0intertwined\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0uncertainly\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Andrews.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0first?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0guess,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Andrews\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0pursed.\t \u00a0\\\"Give\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0petition\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0adopt\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0fellow.\t \u00a0Give\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0advice\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Duly\t \u00a0noted,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Now,\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0why.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0answer,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0impassive,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 reacting\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0curt\t \u00a0tone.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0palm,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 kneeling\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Virgin\t \u00a0Mary.\t \u00a0\\\"Let's\t \u00a0assume\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0true,\t \u00a0 though\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0bet\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pension\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0deal\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0either\t \u00a0fabricated\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0omitted.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0care,\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0matters.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0so,\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0 petition\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0significant\t \u00a0obstacles,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0orphan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Not\t \u00a0legally\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0isn't.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"His\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0executed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0neighbors\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 glad\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0speaking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0death\t \u00a0certificates?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Death\t \u00a0certificates?\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0about.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0 there\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0birth\t \u00a0certificates.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0glassy\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0blink.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0laws,\t \u00a0sir.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0 outrage\t \u00a0notwithstanding,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0prove\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0deceased.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 boy\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0declared\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0legal\t \u00a0orphan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you.\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0problem\t \u00a0 is\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cooperation\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child's\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0origin.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0 difficult\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0circumstances,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0quote\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0 we're\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0about.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0American\t \u00a0embassy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0makes\t \u00a0 things\t \u00a0extremely\t \u00a0complicated.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0impossible.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sexually\t \u00a0abused,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bells\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0 ankles,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mascara\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0Andrews's\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 me,\t \u00a0though,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0weather.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 not\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0issue\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0visa.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0saying?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0help,\t \u00a0send\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0reputable\t \u00a0relief\t \u00a0 organization.\t \u00a0Volunteer\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0refugee\t \u00a0camp.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0strongly\t \u00a0 discourage\t \u00a0U.S.\t \u00a0citizens\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0attempting\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0adopt\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0children.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0\\\"Come\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0Sohrab,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Farsi.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hip.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 same\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0\\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Andrews?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0children?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0simple\t \u00a0question.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0silent.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0so,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0Sohrab's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"They\t \u00a0ought\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0 trailing\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0question?\\\"\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0called.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go\t \u00a0ahead.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0promised\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dangerous\t \u00a0business,\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0promises\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0kids.\\\"\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0desk\t \u00a0drawer\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pursue\t \u00a0this?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 rummaging\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0papers.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pursue\t \u00a0this.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0produced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0card.\t \u00a0\\\"Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0advise\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 immigration\t \u00a0lawyer.\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0works\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Islamabad.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 sent\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0card\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Good\t \u00a0luck,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0exited\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0 Andrews\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rectangle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sunlight,\t \u00a0absently\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 window,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0potted\t \u00a0tomato\t \u00a0plants\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun,\t \u00a0petting\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0lovingly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"TAKE\t \u00a0CARE,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0secretary\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0boss\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0use\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0manners,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0expected\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 eyes,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0nod\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0everybody\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0Instead,\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 lowered\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0\\\"Poor\t \u00a0Ray.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0hasn't\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0died.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0eyebrow.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Suicide,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0whispered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0sounds\t \u00a0crazy,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0wondering\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0_qurma_\t \u00a0 will\t \u00a0be,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0subject\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0school.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0helping\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 homework...\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0running.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0shifting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tub,\t \u00a0spilling\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sides.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0great,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0forgot!\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Sharif.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0remembered\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0reciting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0poem\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0nika\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0scrap\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0 stationery\t \u00a0paper.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 walked\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stage,\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0cameras.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0say?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stir\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pot\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0He'll\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0buddies,\\\"\t \u00a0 she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0news,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0Sohrab.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0smiling.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ON\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0TAXI\t \u00a0RIDE\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0 staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passing\t \u00a0buildings,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gum\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0fogged\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 glass,\t \u00a0cleared,\t \u00a0fogged\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meeting\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ON\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0OTHER\t \u00a0SIDE\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0running.\t \u00a0Since\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0checked\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0bath\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0 bed.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0fathers,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rare\t \u00a0commodity.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0spent\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bath,\t \u00a0soaking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soapy\t \u00a0water,\t \u00a0 scrubbing.\t \u00a0Sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0Soraya.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0yet,\t \u00a0Sohrab?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Soraya\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Raymond\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"So\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0wrong.\\\"\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0adoption\t \u00a0 agencies\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0arranged\t \u00a0international\t \u00a0adoptions.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0consider\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0adoption,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0looking.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0news?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Madar\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0feels\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0 do\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0Padar...\t \u00a0well,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0always,\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read.\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0 not\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0much.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"And\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0happy?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0shifting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0receiver\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0we'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0nephew,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0too.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0thing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0emerged\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bathroom\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meeting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Raymond\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0attempts\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0conversation\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nod\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0monosyllabic\t \u00a0reply.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 bed,\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin.\t \u00a0Within\t \u00a0minutes,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0snoring.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0circle\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fogged-\u00ad\u2010up\t \u00a0mirror\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shaved\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 hotel's\t \u00a0old-\u00ad\u2010fashioned\t \u00a0razors,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0type\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blade\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0","I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0bath,\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steaming\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 skin\t \u00a0shriveled\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0drifting,\t \u00a0wondering,\t \u00a0imagining...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 OMAR\t \u00a0FAISAL\t \u00a0WAS\t \u00a0CHUBBY,\t \u00a0dark,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0dimpled\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0button\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0affable,\t \u00a0gap-\u00ad\u2010toothed\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0thinning\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ponytail.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0corduroy\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0elbow\t \u00a0patches\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0carried\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0worn,\t \u00a0 overstuffed\t \u00a0briefcase.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0handle\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0missing,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0clutched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0briefcase\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 chest.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fellow\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sentences\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0unnecessary\t \u00a0apology,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0five.\t \u00a0Laugh.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 called\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0insisted\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cabbies\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0town\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0sharks,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0perfect\t \u00a0English,\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trace\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0accent.\t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0foreigner,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0triple\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0fares.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0pushed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0smiles\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0apologies,\t \u00a0wheezing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0sweating.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handkerchief\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0briefcase,\t \u00a0 rummaged\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0notepad\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0apologized\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0spilled\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed.\t \u00a0Sitting\t \u00a0cross-\u00ad\u2010legged\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0eye\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0muted\t \u00a0 television,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0harried\t \u00a0lawyer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 Faisal\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0animals.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Here\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0are,\\\"\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0flipping\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0legal\t \u00a0notepad.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0comes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0organization.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0 probably\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0prospective\t \u00a0lawyer,\t \u00a0 heh?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0laughed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0Raymond\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0thinks\t \u00a0highly\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0did?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh\t \u00a0yes....\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0familiar\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0situation?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Faisal\t \u00a0dabbed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0beads\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0familiar\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 version\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0situation\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Andrews,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0cheeks\t \u00a0dimpled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0coy\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0who's\t \u00a0causing\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0trouble,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Farsi.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Sohrab,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Sohrab,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Faisal,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lawyer\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 about.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0Faisal.\t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam\t \u00a0alaykum,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Alaykum\t \u00a0salaam,\t \u00a0Sohrab,\\\"\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0named\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0warrior?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sohrab\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0Climbed\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0 TV.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0well,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0grow\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0born\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Karachi.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0number\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0 Shar-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Nau,\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Haji\t \u00a0Yaghoub\t \u00a0Mosque,\\\"\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Berkeley,\t \u00a0 actually.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0music\t \u00a0store\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0sixties.\t \u00a0Free\t \u00a0love,\t \u00a0 headbands,\t \u00a0tie-\u00ad\u2010dyed\t \u00a0shirts,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0forward.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 Woodstock.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Groovy,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Faisal\t \u00a0laughed\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0sweating\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 again.\t \u00a0\\\"Anyway,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0continued,\t \u00a0\\\"what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Mr.\t \u00a0Andrews\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0two.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0three.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0uncensored\t \u00a0version.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0licked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0flipped\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blank\t \u00a0page,\t \u00a0uncapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pen.\t \u00a0\\\"I'd\t \u00a0 appreciate\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0English\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 out?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Fine.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened.\t \u00a0Told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0meeting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trek\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0orphanage,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stoning\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Ghazi\t \u00a0Stadium.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"God,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0whispered.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0fond\t \u00a0memories\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul.\t \u00a0 Hard\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0about.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0lately?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"God\t \u00a0no.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0Berkeley,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Go\t \u00a0on.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meeting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fight,\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 slingshot,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0escape\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Pakistan.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0scribbled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0 notes,\t \u00a0breathed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0deeply,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sober\t \u00a0look.\t \u00a0\\\"Well,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0you've\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tough\t \u00a0battle\t \u00a0ahead\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"One\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0win?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0capped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pen.\t \u00a0\\\"At\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0risk\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sounding\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Raymond\t \u00a0Andrews,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 not\t \u00a0likely.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0impossible,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0likely.\\\"\t \u00a0Gone\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0affable\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 playful\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"These\t \u00a0rules\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0regulations\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0sense\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0preaching\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0choir,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fact\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0current\t \u00a0 immigration\t \u00a0laws,\t \u00a0adoption\t \u00a0agency\t \u00a0policies,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0political\t \u00a0situation\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Afghanistan,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deck\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0stacked\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0mean,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 get\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Omar\t \u00a0nodded,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0furrowed.\t \u00a0\\\"Well,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0aftermath\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 disaster,\t \u00a0whether\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0natural\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0man-\u00ad\u2010made-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0disaster,\t \u00a0 Amir,\t \u00a0believe\t \u00a0me-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it's\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ascertain\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphan.\t \u00a0Kids\t \u00a0 get\t \u00a0displaced\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0refugee\t \u00a0camps,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0abandon\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0 take\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Happens\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0grant\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0visa\t \u00a0unless\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 clear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0meets\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0definition\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0eligible\t \u00a0orphan.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 sounds\t \u00a0ridiculous,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0death\t \u00a0certificates.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You've\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0improbable\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0let's\t \u00a0suppose\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 surviving\t \u00a0parent.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0thinks\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0adoption\t \u00a0practice\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0heritage\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0preserved.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0heritage?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0Taliban\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0destroyed\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0heritage\t \u00a0 Afghans\t \u00a0had.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 You\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0giant\t \u00a0Buddhas\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Bamiyan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0works,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0touching\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0arm.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0Turned\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Now,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0legally\t \u00a0adopted\t \u00a0according\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0laws\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0regulations\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0country.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0turmoil,\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0country\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0 government\t \u00a0offices\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0emergencies,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0processing\t \u00a0adoptions\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0top\t \u00a0priority.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0pounding\t \u00a0headache\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0settling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0let's\t \u00a0suppose\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0somehow\t \u00a0Afghanistan\t \u00a0gets\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0act\t \u00a0together,\\\"\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0 said,\t \u00a0crossing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0protruding\t \u00a0belly.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0permit\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 adoption.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0fact,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0moderate\t \u00a0Muslim\t \u00a0nations\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0hesitant\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 adoptions\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0countries,\t \u00a0Islamic\t \u00a0law,\t \u00a0Shari'a,\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0 recognize\t \u00a0adoption.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked,\t \u00a0pressing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 forehead.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0U.S.,\t \u00a0Amir.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0America\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anything,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 quitting\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pissing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Girl\t \u00a0Scouts'\t \u00a0lemonade\t \u00a0jar.\t \u00a0But,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0lawyer,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0facts,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Finally,\t \u00a0adoption\t \u00a0agencies\t \u00a0 routinely\t \u00a0send\t \u00a0staff\t \u00a0members\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0evaluate\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0child's\t \u00a0milieu,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0reasonable\t \u00a0 agency\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0send\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0agent\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Afghanistan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0TV,\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 sitting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to,\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0knee.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0uncle,\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0count\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0prove\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0papers\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0 who\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0support\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0papers,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0recently.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0 person\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0knows\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0gone,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0dead.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0options,\t \u00a0Omar?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0frank.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0Jesus,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Omar\t \u00a0breathed\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0tapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pen,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0file\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphan\t \u00a0petition,\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0independent\t \u00a0 adoption.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pakistan,\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 day\t \u00a0out,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0seek\t \u00a0asylum\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0behalf.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 lengthy\t \u00a0process\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0prove\t \u00a0political\t \u00a0persecution.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0request\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0humanitarian\t \u00a0visa.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0discretion\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0attorney\t \u00a0general\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 easily\t \u00a0given.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0paused.\t \u00a0\\\"There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0option,\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0shot.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0forward.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0relinquish\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0file\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphan\t \u00a0 petition.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Start\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0I-\u00ad\u2010600\t \u00a0form\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0study\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0safe\t \u00a0place.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0those?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0I-\u00ad\u2010600\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0INS\t \u00a0formality.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0study\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 adoption\t \u00a0agency\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0choose,\\\"\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"It's,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0aren't\t \u00a0raving\t \u00a0lunatics.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0that,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0promised\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wouldn't\t \u00a0send\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0orphanage.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Like\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0shot.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0longer.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0car,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0VW\t \u00a0Bug.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0setting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Islamabad\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flaming\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0nimbus\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0west.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 watched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0tilt\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0Omar's\t \u00a0weight\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0somehow\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0slide\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wheel.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0\\\"Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0 pretty\t \u00a0great.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0Standing\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hotel\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waving\t \u00a0 back,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0Soraya\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0"]