The-Kite-Runner

["\u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0voice,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 scared\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0\\\"Remember,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha.\t \u00a0There's\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0monster,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0 day.\\\"\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0such\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0when,\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0milling\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0 who\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0read,\t \u00a0write.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smart\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0grade\t \u00a0 textbook\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0plenty.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0unsettling,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0also\t \u00a0sort\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 comfortable\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0needed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"No\t \u00a0monster,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0feeling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0better,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0surprise.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"No\t \u00a0monster.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0sure?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0Nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0scampering\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street,\t \u00a0flinging\t \u00a0snowballs.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Let's\t \u00a0fly,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0occurred\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0dream.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0possible?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0decided\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0smart.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0smart.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0not,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0silly\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0anxiety.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 should\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0shirt,\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0swim\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lake.\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0not?\t \u00a0\\\"Let's\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0it,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0brightened.\t \u00a0\\\"Good,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0kite,\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 yellow\t \u00a0borders,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0central\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cross\t \u00a0spars\t \u00a0met,\t \u00a0marked\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0Saifo's\t \u00a0unmistakable\t \u00a0signature.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0licked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0tested\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wind,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0direction-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010on\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0rare\t \u00a0occasions\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0flew\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 summer,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0kick\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0blew\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0spool\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0stopped,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0fifty\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0head,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0Olympic\t \u00a0athlete\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0medal.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0jerked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0 twice,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0usual\t \u00a0signal,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Caught\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullahs\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 mind\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0God.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Koran\t \u00a0ayat\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0diniyat\t \u00a0class\t \u00a0rose\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0lips,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0deep\t \u00a0breath,\t \u00a0exhaled,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0string.\t \u00a0 Within\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0minute,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rocketing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0 bird\t \u00a0flapping\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0wings.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0clapped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0whistled,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 handed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool,\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0string,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0quickly\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0roll\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 loose\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 At\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0hung\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0sharks\t \u00a0 roaming\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0prey.\t \u00a0Within\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0number\t \u00a0doubled,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0blue,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0 kites\t \u00a0glided\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spun\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0wafted\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0perfect\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0flying,\t \u00a0blowing\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0lift,\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sweeps\t \u00a0easier.\t \u00a0Next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0bloodied\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0string.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Soon,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cutting\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0defeated\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0whirled\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 control.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0shooting\t \u00a0stars\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0brilliant,\t \u00a0rippling\t \u00a0tails,\t \u00a0 showering\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighborhoods\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0prizes\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0runners.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0 hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0runners\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0hollering\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0shouted\t \u00a0 reports\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fight\t \u00a0breaking\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0stealing\t \u00a0glances\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roof,\t \u00a0 wondered\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thinking.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0cheering\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 enjoy\t \u00a0watching\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0fail?\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0flying:\t \u00a0Your\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0drifted\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0place\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kites,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 flying.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0flying.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0wandering\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0bundled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 wool\t \u00a0sweater.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0surprised\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lasted\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had?\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0longer.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0snapped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gaze\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sky.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0me-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I'd\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tangled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 it,\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0besting\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0impatient\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 below.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets,\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0runners\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0returning\t \u00a0triumphantly,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 captured\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0high.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0parents,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0friends.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0biggest\t \u00a0prize\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 flying.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sliced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bright\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coiled\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0tail.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0cost\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0gash\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the'\t \u00a0index\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0trickled\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0palm.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 string\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sucked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0dry,\t \u00a0blotted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jeans.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Within\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0hour,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0number\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0surviving\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0dwindled\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0 fifty\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dozen.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0dozen.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tournament\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guys\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lasted\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0good-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010they\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0easily\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0simple\t \u00a0traps\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0lift-\u00ad\u2010and-\u00ad\u2010dive,\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0favorite\t \u00a0trick.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0o'clock\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0afternoon,\t \u00a0tufts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0clouds\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0drifted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0Shadows\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0lengthen.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0spectators\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 roofs\t \u00a0bundled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0scarves\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0coats.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0flying.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0ached\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0stiff.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0defeated\t \u00a0kite,'\t \u00a0 hope\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0collecting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0flake\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0returning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0wreaking\t \u00a0havoc\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0hour.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0cut?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0counted\t \u00a0eleven,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0be?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0clucked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chin.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trademark\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0gesture,\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0idea.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0sliced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0purple\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 swept\t \u00a0twice\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0loops.\t \u00a0Ten\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0sending\t \u00a0hordes\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0runners\t \u00a0racing\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 After\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0thirty\t \u00a0minutes,\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0remained.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 flying.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0move,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0gust\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0blew\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0favor.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0command,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0intoxicating.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 dare\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0roof.\t \u00a0Didn't\t \u00a0dare\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 concentrate,\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0smart.\t \u00a0Another\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 laughable\t \u00a0dream\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0morning\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0reality:\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0guy.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0tension\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0taut\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glass\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0tugging\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 bloody\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0stomping\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0clapping,\t \u00a0whistling,\t \u00a0chanting,\t \u00a0 \\\"Boboresh!\t \u00a0Boboresh!\\\"\t \u00a0Cut\t \u00a0him!\t \u00a0Cut\t \u00a0him!\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0","them.\t \u00a0Music\t \u00a0blasted.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0steamed\t \u00a0mantu\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fried\t \u00a0pakora\t \u00a0drifted\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 rooftops\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0doors.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0willed\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0thudding\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0victory.\t \u00a0Salvation.\t \u00a0 Redemption.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0God\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0 then\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0win.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0for,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0 just\t \u00a0bragging\t \u00a0rights.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 looked\t \u00a0at,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0seen,\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0heard.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0God,\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0guide\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 winds,\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0blow\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tug\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0string,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pain,\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0longing.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0endured\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0much,\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0far.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0suddenly,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0 hope\t \u00a0became\t \u00a0knowledge.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0win.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0when.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0sooner\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0gust\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 took\t \u00a0advantage.\t \u00a0Fed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0string,\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0Looped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0top\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0position.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0trouble.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0desperately\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 maneuver\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0jam,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0position.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0crowd\t \u00a0sensed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 end\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0chorus\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0\\\"Cut\t \u00a0him!\t \u00a0Cut\t \u00a0him!\\\"\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0louder,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Romans\t \u00a0 chanting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gladiators\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0kill,\t \u00a0kill!\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha!\t \u00a0Almost\t \u00a0there!\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0panting.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0came.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0loosened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0grip\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 string.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0sliced\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0then...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crowd's\t \u00a0roar\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 screaming\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Bravo!\t \u00a0Bravo,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0spinning\t \u00a0wildly\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tire\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0speeding\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0blinked,\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0Nothing\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0 Suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0hovering,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0above.\t \u00a0Black\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0coat,\t \u00a0 red\t \u00a0scarf,\t \u00a0faded\t \u00a0jeans.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0thin\t \u00a0boy,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0sallow,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tad\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0twelve\t \u00a0 years.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hint\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0circles\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pale\t \u00a0hazel\t \u00a0 eyes.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0rustled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0screaming,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sound,\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0alive\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0throwing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0","hopping\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0laughing,\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0weeping.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0won,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0 agha!\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0won!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0won!\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0won!\\\"\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0say.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0happening.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 moment,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0blink\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rouse\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0dream,\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0march\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0breakfast\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0talk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Get\t \u00a0 dressed.\t \u00a0Wait\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0Give\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0Back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0roof.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge,\t \u00a0pumping\t \u00a0both\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fists.\t \u00a0Hollering\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0clapping.\t \u00a0 And\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0greatest\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0twelve\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0 seeing\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0roof,\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0last.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0motioning\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0urgent\t \u00a0 way.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood.\t \u00a0\\\"Hassan,\t \u00a0we-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0breaking\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0embrace.\t \u00a0\\\"_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0we'll\t \u00a0celebrate\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0 Right\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0running,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hem\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0chapan\t \u00a0dragging\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0 him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hassan!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0called.\t \u00a0\\\"Come\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0corner,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0rubber\t \u00a0boots\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 snow.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stopped,\t \u00a0turned.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0cupped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0\\\"For\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 thousand\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0over!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0disappeared\t \u00a0 around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0unabashedly\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 twenty-\u00ad\u2010six\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0faded\t \u00a0Polaroid\t \u00a0photograph.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0rushed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0congratulate\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0 hands\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0thanks.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0 awestruck\t \u00a0twinkle\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0eyes;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hero.\t \u00a0Hands\t \u00a0patted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tousled\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0hair.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Finally,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 collected\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spool,\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0trotted\t \u00a0home.\t \u00a0 When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wrought-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0gates,\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 stuck\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bars.\t \u00a0\\\"Congratulations,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spool,\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"Tashakor,\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0praying\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0time.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Then\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0praying.\t \u00a0We're\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0yet.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0yet.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0planned:\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grand\t \u00a0entrance,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hero,\t \u00a0 prized\t \u00a0trophy\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bloodied\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0Heads\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0lock.\t \u00a0 Rostam\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Sohrab\t \u00a0sizing\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0dramatic\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0silence.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 old\t \u00a0warrior\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0one,\t \u00a0embrace\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0acknowledge\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 worthiness.\t \u00a0Vindication.\t \u00a0Salvation.\t \u00a0Redemption.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0then?\t \u00a0Well...\t \u00a0happily\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0 after,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0else?\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0numbered\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 set\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0angles\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grid.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0neighborhood\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 developing,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0lots\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0half-\u00ad\u2010constructed\t \u00a0homes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a0compounds\t \u00a0surrounded\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0eight-\u00ad\u2010foot\t \u00a0walls.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 street,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Everywhere,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0busy\t \u00a0folding\t \u00a0chairs,\t \u00a0packing\t \u00a0 food\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0utensils\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0partying.\t \u00a0Some,\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0rooftops,\t \u00a0 shouted\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0congratulations\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Four\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0south\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0ours,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Omar,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0engineer\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 friend\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Baba's.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dribbling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0soccer\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0lawn\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0house.\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pretty\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0guy.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0classmates\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0fourth\t \u00a0 grade,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fountain\t \u00a0pen,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0load\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cartridge.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0won,\t \u00a0Amir,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Congratulations.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thanks.\t \u00a0Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0Hassan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0Hazara?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Omar\t \u00a0headed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0runner.\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0 brother\t \u00a0headed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0","\\\"Although\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0manages.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mean,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0tight\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 eyes,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0does\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 His\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0laughed,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0burst,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ball.\t \u00a0Omar\t \u00a0ignored\t \u00a0 him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Omar\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thumb\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shoulder,\t \u00a0pointing\t \u00a0southwest.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 running\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bazaar\t \u00a0awhile\t \u00a0ago.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thanks.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0scuttled\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 By\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0marketplace,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0sunk\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0hills\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dusk\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0painted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0pink\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0purple.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0blocks\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Haji\t \u00a0Yaghoub\t \u00a0Mosque,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0bellowed\t \u00a0azan,\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0faithful\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 unroll\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0rugs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bow\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0prayer.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0missed\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0daily\t \u00a0prayers.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0playing,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0excuse\t \u00a0himself,\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0 water\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard,\t \u00a0wash\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0disappear\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hut.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0smiling,\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0perched\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tree.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0miss\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0tonight,\t \u00a0though,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0bazaar\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0emptying\t \u00a0quickly,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0merchants\t \u00a0finishing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 haggling\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0trotted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0closely\t \u00a0packed\t \u00a0 cubicles\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0freshly\t \u00a0slaughtered\t \u00a0pheasant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 calculator\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0adjacent\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dwindling\t \u00a0crowd,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0lame\t \u00a0beggars\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0layers\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tattered\t \u00a0rags,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0vendors\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0rugs\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0shoulders,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cloth\t \u00a0merchants\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0butchers\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0shop\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 found\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dried\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0stand,\t \u00a0described\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0merchant\t \u00a0 loading\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mule\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0crates\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pine\t \u00a0seeds\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0raisins.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wore\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0powder\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0 turban.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0paused\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0answering.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 seen\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Which\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0go?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0eyed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara?\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0glance\t \u00a0lingered\t \u00a0admiringly\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0 coat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0jeans-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010cowboy\t \u00a0pants,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0Afghanistan,\t \u00a0owning\t \u00a0 anything\t \u00a0American,\t \u00a0especially\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0secondhand,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wealth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Agha.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0point\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0question,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 reminded\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0impatience\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0faster.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He's\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0servant's\t \u00a0son,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pepper\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0eyebrow.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0is?\t \u00a0Lucky\t \u00a0Hazara,\t \u00a0having\t \u00a0 such\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0concerned\t \u00a0master.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0sweep\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 your\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyelashes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0not?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0rested\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mule's\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0south.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0described\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0one.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0did?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0promised.\t \u00a0Good\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 Hassan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Good\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0reliable\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0promise\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\t \u00a0they've\t \u00a0probably\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0now,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0merchant\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 grunting\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0loading\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mule's\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Who?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0boys,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0ones\t \u00a0chasing\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 you.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sighed.\t \u00a0\\\"Now,\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0along,\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0late\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0nainaz.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0scrambling\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lane.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0scoured\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bazaar\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0vain.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0 merchant's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0betrayed\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Except\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 getting\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0kite...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0poked\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0lane,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0shop.\t \u00a0 No\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0begun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0worry\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0darkness\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0ahead.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0reached\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0secluded,\t \u00a0muddy\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0 perpendicular\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0main\t \u00a0thoroughfare\t \u00a0bisecting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bazaar.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0 onto\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rutted\t \u00a0track\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0voices.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0boot\t \u00a0squished\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 every\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0puffed\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0clouds\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0path\t \u00a0 ran\t \u00a0parallel\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0snow-\u00ad\u2010filled\t \u00a0ravine\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stream\t \u00a0may\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 tumbled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spring.\t \u00a0To\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0rows\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0snow-\u00ad\u2010burdened\t \u00a0cypress\t \u00a0 trees\t \u00a0peppered\t \u00a0among\t \u00a0flat-\u00ad\u2010topped\t \u00a0clay\t \u00a0houses-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010no\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0shacks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 most\t \u00a0cases-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010separated\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0alleys.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0louder\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alleys.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 crept\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0Held\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0Peeked\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blind\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0defiant\t \u00a0stance:\t \u00a0fists\t \u00a0 curled,\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0apart.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0piles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0scrap\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rubble,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0key\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0heart.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Blocking\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0boys,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0Daoud\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0coup,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 saved\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0slingshot.\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0side,\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle,\t \u00a0Assef.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0clench\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0rippled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0spine.\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0relaxed,\t \u00a0confident.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0twirling\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0guys\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0nervously\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0feet,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0cornered\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wild\t \u00a0animal\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0tame.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0slingshot,\t \u00a0Hazara?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brass\t \u00a0knuckles\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0said?\t \u00a0'They'll\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0One-\u00ad\u2010Eyed\t \u00a0Assef.'\t \u00a0 That's\t \u00a0right.\t \u00a0One-\u00ad\u2010Eyed\t \u00a0Assef.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0clever.\t \u00a0Really\t \u00a0clever.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0easy\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0clever\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loaded\t \u00a0weapon.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0breathed\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0exhaled,\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0quietly.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0 paralyzed.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0 harelipped\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0memory.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0today\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0Hazara,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0bet\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0grinning.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mood\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forgive.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0boys?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0generous,\\\"\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0blurted,\t \u00a0\\\"Especially\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rude\t \u00a0manners\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 showed\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tremor\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood:\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0really.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0idea\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0mind.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dismissive\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0\\\"Bakhshida.\t \u00a0Forgiven.\t \u00a0It's\t \u00a0done.\\\"\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0 dropped\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little.\t \u00a0\\\"Of\t \u00a0course,\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0world,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0pardon\t \u00a0comes\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0price.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That's\t \u00a0fair,\\\"\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nothing\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0free,\\\"\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0added.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You're\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0Hazara,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0\\\"Because\t \u00a0 today,\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cost\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0fair\t \u00a0deal,\t \u00a0boys,\t \u00a0isn't\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"More\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0fair,\\\"\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Even\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fear\t \u00a0creeping\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0won\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tournament\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0fairly.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0kite.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0loyal\t \u00a0Hazara.\t \u00a0Loyal\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dog,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Kamal's\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shrill,\t \u00a0 nervous\t \u00a0sound.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0sacrifice\t \u00a0yourself\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0Would\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0Have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0includes\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0games\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0guests?\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0plays\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0else\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0around?\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0 tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0why,\t \u00a0Hazara.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0ugly\t \u00a0pet.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0bored,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0kick\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0angry.\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0 ever\t \u00a0fool\t \u00a0yourself\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0more.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Amir\t \u00a0agha\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0friends,\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0flushed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Friends?\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0laughing.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0pathetic\t \u00a0fool!\t \u00a0Someday\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0wake\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0fantasy\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0learn\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0is.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0bas!\t \u00a0 Enough\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0this.\t \u00a0Give\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0kite.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0stooped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rock.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0flinched.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0\\\"Last\t \u00a0chance,\t \u00a0 Hazara.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cock\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rock.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Whatever\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wish.\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0unbuttoned\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0coat,\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0off,\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0 it\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0deliberately.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0placed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0Almost.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0 might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0differently\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0watched.\t \u00a0Paralyzed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0motioned\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0separated,\t \u00a0forming\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0circle,\t \u00a0trapping\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I've\t \u00a0changed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"I'm\t \u00a0letting\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite,\t \u00a0Hazara.\t \u00a0 I'll\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0remind\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0charged.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rock.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0struck\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0forehead.\t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0yelped\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0flung\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0knocking\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 Kamal\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fist.\t \u00a0Shut\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0MEMORY:\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0breast?\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 know\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha?\t \u00a0Sakina,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fair,\t \u00a0blue-\u00ad\u2010eyed\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0 woman\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Bamiyan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0sang\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0songs.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 brotherhood\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0who've\t \u00a0fed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0breast.\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0 that?\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0memory:\t \u00a0\\\"A\t \u00a0rupia\t \u00a0each,\t \u00a0children.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0rupia\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 curtain\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0truth.\\\"\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0sits\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0sightless\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 molten\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0embedded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0deep,\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0craters.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hunched\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cane,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fortune-\u00ad\u2010teller\t \u00a0runs\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gnarled\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 surface\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0deflated\t \u00a0cheeks.\t \u00a0Cups\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0\\\"Not\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truth,\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 it,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rupia\t \u00a0each?\\\"\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0drops\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coin\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leathery\t \u00a0palm.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0drop\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0\\\"In\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Allah\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0beneficent,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0merciful,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0fortune-\u00ad\u2010teller\t \u00a0 whispers.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0takes\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0first,\t \u00a0strokes\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0horn-\u00ad\u2010like\t \u00a0 fingernail,\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0round,\t \u00a0round\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0round.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0floats\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0 face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0makes\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dry,\t \u00a0scratchy\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0traces\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curve\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0outline\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0ears.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0calloused\t \u00a0pads\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0brush\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0 eyes.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0stops\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0Lingers.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0shadow\t \u00a0passes\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man's\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0exchange\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glance.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0takes\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0puts\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 rupia\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0palm.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turns\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0friend?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 says.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rooster\t \u00a0crows.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0reaches\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0withdraw\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0dream:\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0snowstorm.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0shrieks,\t \u00a0blows\t \u00a0stinging\t \u00a0 sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stagger\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0layers\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shifting\t \u00a0white.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 help\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0drowns\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0cries.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lie\t \u00a0panting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow,\t \u00a0lost\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 white,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wind\t \u00a0wailing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ears.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0erase\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0footprints.\t \u00a0 I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ghost\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ghost\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0footprints.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0cry\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0footprints.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0muffled\t \u00a0reply.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0shield\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 sit\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0Out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0swaying\t \u00a0curtains\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0snow,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0catch\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glimpse\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0movement,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 flurry\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0color.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0familiar\t \u00a0shape\t \u00a0materializes.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0reaches\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0 deep,\t \u00a0parallel\t \u00a0gashes\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0palm,\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0dripping,\t \u00a0staining\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0gone.\t \u00a0We're\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0field\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0","grass\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0soft\t \u00a0wisps\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0clouds\t \u00a0drifting\t \u00a0above.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0 filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0kites,\t \u00a0green,\t \u00a0yellow,\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0orange.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0shimmer\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0HAVOC\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0SCRAP\t \u00a0AND\t \u00a0RUBBLE\t \u00a0littered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0Worn\t \u00a0bicycle\t \u00a0tires,\t \u00a0bottles\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0peeled\t \u00a0labels,\t \u00a0ripped\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0magazines,\t \u00a0yellowed\t \u00a0newspapers,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0scattered\t \u00a0 amid\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0bricks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0slabs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cement.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0rusted\t \u00a0cast-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0stove\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0gaping\t \u00a0 hole\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0amid\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garbage\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at:\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0 close\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cast-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0stove;\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0corduroy\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0 thrown\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heap\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0eroded\t \u00a0bricks.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0sinful.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0sounded\t \u00a0 unsure,\t \u00a0excited,\t \u00a0scared,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0lay\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0pinned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0gripped\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0arm,\t \u00a0twisted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bent\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0elbow\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0heel\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0boots\t \u00a0crushing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0out,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"And\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0sinful\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0 teaching\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lesson\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0disrespectful\t \u00a0donkey.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Suit\t \u00a0yourself,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kamal.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I...\t \u00a0well...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Fine,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0\\\"All\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0weaklings\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0 Can\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Wali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0relieved.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0knelt\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0hips\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 bare\t \u00a0buttocks.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0undid\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0belt\t \u00a0buckle\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0unzipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0jeans.\t \u00a0Dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0underwear.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0positioned\t \u00a0 himself\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0struggle.\t \u00a0Didn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0whimper.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0 his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0slightly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glimpse\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0resignation\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lamb.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TOMORROW\t \u00a0IS\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0TENTH\t \u00a0DAY\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Dhul-\u00ad\u2010Hijjah,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Muslim\t \u00a0 calendar,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Eid\t \u00a0Al-\u00ad\u2010Adha,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0Eid-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Qorban,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0 call\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010a\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0celebrate\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prophet\t \u00a0Ibrahim\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0sacrificed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0 for\t \u00a0God.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0handpicked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0powder\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 crooked\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0ears.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard,\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0recites\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0prayer,\t \u00a0rubs\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0beard.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0mutters,\t \u00a0Get\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 sounds\t \u00a0annoyed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0endless\t \u00a0praying,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ritual\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0halal.\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0mocks\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0Eid,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0mocks\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0religious.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 respects\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tradition\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Eid-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Qorban.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0custom\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0divide\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0thirds,\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0family,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0friends,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poor.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0year,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0gives\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 all\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poor.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0rich\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0fat\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0says.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0finishes\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0prayer.\t \u00a0Ameen.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0picks\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0knife\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0blade.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0custom\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0knife.\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0feeds\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 animal\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cube\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0sugar-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010another\t \u00a0custom,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0death\t \u00a0sweeter.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0kicks,\t \u00a0 but\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0much.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0grabs\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0jaw\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0places\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blade\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0 Just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0slices\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0throat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0expert\t \u00a0motion,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sheep's\t \u00a0 eyes.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0haunt\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0dreams\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0weeks.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0yearly\t \u00a0ritual\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0backyard;\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0nightmares\t \u00a0persist\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bloodstains\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0faded.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0watch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0acceptance\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0animal's\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0Absurdly,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0imagine\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0animal\t \u00a0 understands.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0imagine\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0animal\t \u00a0sees\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0imminent\t \u00a0demise\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0higher\t \u00a0 purpose.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0STOPPED\t \u00a0WATCHING,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 running\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0wrist.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0blinked,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0biting\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fist,\t \u00a0hard\t \u00a0","enough\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0knuckles.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 weeping.\t \u00a0From\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0quick,\t \u00a0rhythmic\t \u00a0 grunts.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0chance\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0decision.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0opportunity\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0decide\t \u00a0 who\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0alley,\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Hassan-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0past-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0accept\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 happen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0run.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ran.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coward.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0afraid\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0hurt.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0believe.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0aspired\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 cowardice,\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alternative,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0reason\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0running,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0right:\t \u00a0Nothing\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0world.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0price\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 pay,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lamb\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0slay,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0win\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fair\t \u00a0price?\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0answer\t \u00a0floated\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0conscious\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0thwart\t \u00a0it:\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara,\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0he?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 ran\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0come.\t \u00a0Ran\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0deserted\t \u00a0bazaar.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lurched\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 cubicle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0padlocked\t \u00a0swinging\t \u00a0doors.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0panting,\t \u00a0 sweating,\t \u00a0wishing\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 About\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0voices\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0running\t \u00a0footfalls.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 crouched\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cubicle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0sprinting\t \u00a0by,\t \u00a0 laughing\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deserted\t \u00a0lane.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forced\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0minutes.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rutted\t \u00a0track\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow-\u00ad\u2010 filled\t \u00a0ravine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0squinted\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dimming\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0spotted\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0slowly\t \u00a0 toward\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0met\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0leafless\t \u00a0birch\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ravine.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands;\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0 lie\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0scan\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0rips.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0chapan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0mud\t \u00a0smudges\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0ripped\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0below\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0collar.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0stopped.\t \u00a0 Swayed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0collapse.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0steadied\t \u00a0himself.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Speaking\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0 chewing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rock.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sleeve\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face,\t \u00a0wiped\t \u00a0snot\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0light.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 grateful\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0early-\u00ad\u2010evening\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0concealed\t \u00a0 mine.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0glad\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0return\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 knew,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes?\t \u00a0Blame?\t \u00a0Indignation?\t \u00a0Or,\t \u00a0 God\t \u00a0forbid,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0feared\t \u00a0most:\t \u00a0guileless\t \u00a0devotion?\t \u00a0That,\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0 bear\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0cracked.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth,\t \u00a0 opened\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0Took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0step\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0Wiped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 close\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0discussing\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 thought\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0tears,\t \u00a0but,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0relief,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pretended\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 hadn't\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0crack\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pretended\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0 stain\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0pants.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0tiny\t \u00a0drops\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0stained\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0black.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Agha\t \u00a0sahib\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0worry,\\\"\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0limped\t \u00a0 away.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0HAPPENED\t \u00a0JUST\t \u00a0THE\t \u00a0WAY\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0imagined.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0smoky\t \u00a0 study\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0drinking\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0listening\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0news\t \u00a0crackling\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0radio.\t \u00a0Their\t \u00a0heads\t \u00a0turned.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 father's\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0 hairy\t \u00a0arms.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warmth\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0wept.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 close\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forgot\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0done.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0good.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 EIGHT\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0barely\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0woke\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0toasted\t \u00a0bread,\t \u00a0brewed\t \u00a0tea,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0boiled\t \u00a0egg\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0table.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0ironed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 folded,\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cane-\u00ad\u2010seat\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0foyer\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0usually\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 ironing.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breakfast\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0 ironing-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010that\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0talk.\t \u00a0Used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sing\t \u00a0too,\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hissing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0iron,\t \u00a0 sang\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Hazara\t \u00a0songs\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0tulip\t \u00a0fields.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0folded\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0greeted\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 That,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0breakfast\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hardly\t \u00a0finished\t \u00a0anymore.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0overcast\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boiled\t \u00a0egg\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 plate,\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0cradling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0chopped\t \u00a0wood.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0 was.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sleep,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0kneeling\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stove.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 little\t \u00a0square\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0open.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Would\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0able\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0today?\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0paused\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0log\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 worried\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Lately,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0seems\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 does\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chores-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0wants\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0crawl\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0blanket.\t \u00a0 Can\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0something?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"After\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0tournament,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0bloodied\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0torn.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0nothing,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 gotten\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0scuffle\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0egg\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0plate.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Did\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0happen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha?\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0 me?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0shrugged.\t \u00a0\\\"How\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0nay?\t \u00a0_Inshallah_,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 happened?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Like\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what's\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0sick.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0sick\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0Ali.\t \u00a0Now,\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0freeze\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 death\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0planning\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0lighting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stove\t \u00a0today?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THAT\t \u00a0NIGHT\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Friday.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0swivel\t \u00a0chair\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0desk,\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0newspaper.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0 took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0glasses\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0disliked\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0much-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0old,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0all,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0lots\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0live,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wear\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0stupid\t \u00a0glasses?\t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0not!\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Lately,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0agreed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0nights\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0_El\t \u00a0Cid_\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Charlton\t \u00a0Heston\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0Cinema\t \u00a0Aryana.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0spoil\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that?\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0mazreez,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Not\t \u00a0feeling\t \u00a0 well.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Really?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0rocking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chair.\t \u00a0\\\"What's\t \u00a0wrong\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shrug\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sank\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sofa\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fireplace.\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 something.\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0sleeping\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0off.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0haven't\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"That's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 is,\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cold?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0help\t \u00a0hating\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow\t \u00a0furrowed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0worry.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cold.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0Friday,\t \u00a0Baba?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes,\t \u00a0yes,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0desk.\t \u00a0\\\"Too\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0fun\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0came.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Well,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0fun\t \u00a0together,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0Winked.\t \u00a0 \\\"Dress\t \u00a0warm,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IT\t \u00a0SHOULD\t \u00a0HAVE\t \u00a0BEEN\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0 Wednesday\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0managed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0invite\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 called\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cousin\t \u00a0Homayoun-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0cousin-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0 mentioned\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Friday,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Homayoun,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0studied\t \u00a0 engineering\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0France\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0love\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 everyone\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kids,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0wives,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0cousin\t \u00a0 Shafiqa\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0visiting\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Herat,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tag\t \u00a0along,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0staying\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0cousin\t \u00a0Nader\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0invited\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Nader\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bit\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0feud\t \u00a0going,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Nader\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0invited,\t \u00a0surely\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0Faruq\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 feelings\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0hurt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0invite\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0daughter's\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0 next\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0and...\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0vans.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rode\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0age\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0male\t \u00a0Kaka,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0Uncle,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0 older\t \u00a0female,\t \u00a0Khala,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0Aunt.\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun's\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0wives\t \u00a0rode\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0too-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0 pinch-\u00ad\u2010faced\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warts\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 always\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0perfume\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0danced\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0closed-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010as\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0 Homayoun's\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0girls.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0row,\t \u00a0carsick\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dizzy,\t \u00a0sandwiched\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seven-\u00ad\u2010year-\u00ad\u2010old\t \u00a0twins\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0reaching\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lap\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0slap\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0 other.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010hour\t \u00a0trek\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0mountain\t \u00a0roads\t \u00a0winding\t \u00a0 along\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0steep\t \u00a0drop,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0lurched\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0hairpin\t \u00a0turn.\t \u00a0Everyone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0van\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0talking,\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0loudly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0nearly\t \u00a0shrieking,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0 is\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0talk.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0twins-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Fazila\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0Karima,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0 which\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0which-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010if\t \u00a0she'd\t \u00a0trade\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0account\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0sickness.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0stuck\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0tongue\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0no.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0fine,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0accountable\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0vomiting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0dress.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 minute\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cratered\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0rise\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 fall,\t \u00a0whirl\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0tail\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mountainside,\t \u00a0counted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0multicolored\t \u00a0trucks\t \u00a0 packed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0squatting\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0lumbering\t \u00a0past.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0letting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wind\t \u00a0slap\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0swallow\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0air.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0 feel\t \u00a0better.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0poked\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Fazila\/Karima.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tournament,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0wheel.\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wives\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0 row\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0seats.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"There\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0kites\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0day?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Is\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0right,\t \u00a0Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0so,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0mumbled.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0hundred\t \u00a0kites,\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0No\t \u00a0_laaf_.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0flying\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Amir's.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0ran\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0together.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Congratulations,\\\"\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0wife,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 warts,\t \u00a0clapped\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"Wah\t \u00a0wah,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan,\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you!\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0clapping,\t \u00a0yelping\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 praises,\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0proud\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0Only\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 passenger\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0silent.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0odd\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Please\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0Baba,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Getting\t \u00a0sick,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered,\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0seat,\t \u00a0pressing\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0 Homayoun's\t \u00a0daughters.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Fazila\/Karima's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0twisted.\t \u00a0\\\"Pull\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0Kaka!\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0yellow!\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 want\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0throwing\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0dress!\\\"\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0squealed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0over,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rock\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0aired\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0van.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 smoking\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0Fazila\/Karima\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0crying;\t \u00a0 he'd\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0dress\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 sun.\t \u00a0Little\t \u00a0shapes\t \u00a0formed\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyelids,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0shadows\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wall.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0twisted,\t \u00a0merged,\t \u00a0formed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0image:\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0corduroy\t \u00a0 pants\t \u00a0discarded\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0bricks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 KAKA\t \u00a0HOMAYOUN'S\t \u00a0WHITE,\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0balcony\t \u00a0 overlooking\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large,\t \u00a0walled\t \u00a0garden\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0persimmon\t \u00a0trees.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 hedges\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gardener\t \u00a0shaped\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0animals,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0swimming\t \u00a0 pool\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0emerald\t \u00a0colored\t \u00a0tiles.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pool,\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 layer\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0slushy\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bottom,\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0dangling\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun's\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 playing\t \u00a0hide-\u00ad\u2010and-\u00ad\u2010seek\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0women\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0cooking\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0onions\t \u00a0frying\t \u00a0already,\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0phht-\u00ad\u2010phht\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pressure\t \u00a0 cooker,\t \u00a0music,\t \u00a0laughter.\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan,\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Nader\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0balcony,\t \u00a0smoking.\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0Homayoun\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 brought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0projector\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0slides\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0France.\t \u00a0Ten\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 returned\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Paris\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0stupid\t \u00a0slides.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It\t \u00a0shouldn't\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0friends.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0zoo\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0before,\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0Marjan\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lion,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pebble\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0bear\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0watching.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Dadkhoda's\t \u00a0Kabob\t \u00a0House\t \u00a0 afterward,\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Cinema\t \u00a0Park,\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lamb\t \u00a0kabob\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0freshly\t \u00a0baked\t \u00a0_naan_\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tandoor.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0travels\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0India\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Russia,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 people\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0met,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0armless,\t \u00a0legless\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Bombay\t \u00a0who'd\t \u00a0been\t 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\u00a0have\t \u00a0known\t \u00a0better.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0kite\t \u00a0tournament,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0immersed\t \u00a0ourselves\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sweet\t \u00a0illusion,\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0 other\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0before.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0deceived\t \u00a0ourselves\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0 thinking\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0toy\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tissue\t \u00a0paper,\t \u00a0glue,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bamboo\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0somehow\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0chasm\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0out-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0wrote\t \u00a0stories,\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0horses.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0shuffling\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0clinking\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 silverware,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whistle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0teapot.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0shut\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0eat.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0calendar,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0circled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0date\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 school\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0began\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0countdown.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 To\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0dismay,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0trying\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0rekindle\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 remember\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0reading\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0abbreviated\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0 translation\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Ivanhoe,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0baker\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0buy\t \u00a0_naan_,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 wondering\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you...\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0along.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0rubbing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0temples.\t \u00a0Lately,\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0 time\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0headache.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sunny\t \u00a0day,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0that.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Might\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0fun\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0walk.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0go.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0you'd\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0along,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Paused.\t \u00a0Something\t \u00a0thumped\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0forehead.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I've\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wish\t \u00a0 you'd\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0anymore.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0haven't\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0anything,\t \u00a0Hassan.\t \u00a0Just\t \u00a0go.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lap,\t \u00a0squeezed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0temples\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 vice.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0doing,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0pressed\t \u00a0shut.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Anything.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0harassing\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0away,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wished\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0break\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0off-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0easier,\t \u00a0better.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0there.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pillow,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cried.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 HASSAN\t \u00a0MILLED\t \u00a0ABOUT\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0periphery\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 paths\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0possible,\t \u00a0planned\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oxygen\t \u00a0seeped\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0tightened\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 couldn't\t \u00a0draw\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0air;\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0stand\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0gasping\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0airless\t \u00a0bubble\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0atmosphere.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0around,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 hand-\u00ad\u2010washed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ironed\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cane-\u00ad\u2010seat\t \u00a0chair,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warm\t \u00a0slippers\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0 outside\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wood\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0burning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stove\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 breakfast.\t \u00a0Everywhere\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0signs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0loyalty,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0 unwavering\t \u00a0loyalty.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Early\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0spring,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0started,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0planting\t \u00a0tulips\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garden.\t \u00a0Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0melted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hills\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0north\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0dotted\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0patches\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0grass.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cool,\t \u00a0gray\t \u00a0","morning,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0squatting\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0digging\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soil\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0planting\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bulbs\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0plant\t \u00a0tulips\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0true,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0\\\"Baba,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0servants?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tulip\t \u00a0bulb\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trowel\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt.\t \u00a0Took\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 gardening\t \u00a0gloves.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0startled\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0\\\"Chi?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0say?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0wondering,\t \u00a0that's\t \u00a0all.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Why\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0curtly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0wouldn't,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0guess.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0question,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0fading\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 murmur.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0sorry\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Is\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0there's\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0deal\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0staying\t \u00a0 out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gloves\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0grew\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Ali,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0clenched\t \u00a0 teeth.\t \u00a0\\\"My\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0Forty\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0Forty\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0years.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0throw\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 out?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tulip.\t \u00a0\\\"I've\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0laid\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 you,\t \u00a0Amir,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0again...\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0away,\t \u00a0shaking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0 bring\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0shame.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0Hassan...\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0anywhere,\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 understand?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fistful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cool\t \u00a0soil.\t \u00a0Let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0pour\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 fingers.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0understand?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0roared.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0flinched.\t \u00a0\\\"Yes,\t \u00a0Baba.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hassan's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0anywhere,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0dug\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0hole\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0trowel,\t \u00a0striking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0harder\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to.\t \u00a0\\\"He's\t \u00a0staying\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 us,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0belongs.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we're\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family.\t \u00a0Don't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0question\t \u00a0again!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0won't,\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0sorry.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rest\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tulips\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silence.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0relieved\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0Students\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0 notebooks\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sharpened\t \u00a0pencils\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0ambled\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0courtyard,\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0dust,\t \u00a0chatting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0groups,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0class\t \u00a0captains'\t \u00a0whistles.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0lane\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0entrance.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0two-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0 building\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0broken\t \u00a0windows\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dim,\t \u00a0cobblestone\t \u00a0hallways,\t \u00a0patches\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0 original\t \u00a0dull\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0paint\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0showing\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0sloughing\t \u00a0chunks\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0plaster.\t \u00a0 Most\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0boys\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0Mustang\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0envious\t \u00a0look.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0beaming\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pride\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 off-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0muster\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mild\t \u00a0form\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 embarrassment.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0emptiness.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0drove\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0without\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0good-\u00ad\u2010bye.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0bypassed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0customary\t \u00a0comparing\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kite-\u00ad\u2010fighting\t \u00a0scars\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 line.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0bell\t \u00a0rang\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0marched\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0assigned\t \u00a0class,\t \u00a0filed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0pairs.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0row.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Farsi\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0textbooks,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0prayed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0heavy\t \u00a0 load\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0homework.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 School\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0excuse\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stay\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0hours.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 while,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0happened\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0winter,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0happen.\t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0weeks,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0preoccupied\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0gravity\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0momentum,\t \u00a0atoms\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 cells,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Anglo-\u00ad\u2010Afghan\t \u00a0wars,\t \u00a0instead\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 happened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0But,\t \u00a0always,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0To\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0 corduroy\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0lying\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bricks.\t \u00a0To\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0droplets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0staining\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snow\t \u00a0 dark\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0black.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 One\t \u00a0sluggish,\t \u00a0hazy\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0hill\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0written.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 hanging\t \u00a0clothes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0dry\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eagerness\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0harried\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 finished\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0job.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 We\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill,\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0talk.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0school,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 learning,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0teachers,\t \u00a0especially\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0math\t \u00a0teacher\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0 punished\t \u00a0talkative\t \u00a0students\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0sticking\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0metal\t \u00a0rod\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 then\t \u00a0squeezing\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0together.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0winced\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0hoped\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0experience\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0lucky\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0far,\t \u00a0knowing\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0luck\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0share\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0class\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rich\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0spared\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0metal\t \u00a0rod\t \u00a0treatment.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0cemetery\t \u00a0wall\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shade\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 pomegranate\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0month\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0two,\t \u00a0crops\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0scorched\t \u00a0yellow\t \u00a0weeds\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0blanket\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hillside,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0year\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0showers\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lasted\t \u00a0longer\t \u00a0 than\t \u00a0usual,\t \u00a0nudging\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grass\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0green,\t \u00a0 peppered\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0tangles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0wildflowers.\t \u00a0Below\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0Wazir\t \u00a0Akbar\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0 walled,\t \u00a0flat-\u00ad\u2010topped\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0gleamed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sunshine,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0laundry\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 clotheslines\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0yards\t \u00a0stirred\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0dance\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0butterflies.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dozen\t \u00a0pomegranates\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0unfolded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0along,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0page,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 picked\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0overripe\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0fallen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0this?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 down.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0wilted.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0older\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0remembered.\t \u00a0No,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0 older,\t \u00a0old.\t \u00a0Was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0possible?\t \u00a0Lines\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0etched\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0tanned\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0creases\t \u00a0 framed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0well\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0knife\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0carved\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0 lines\t \u00a0myself.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0do?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0repeated.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stapled\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0story\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0 promised\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0fluttered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breeze.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hurled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pomegranate\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 struck\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0exploded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0spray\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0pulp.\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0cry\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 pregnant\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0surprise\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hit\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0back!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stain\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Get\t \u00a0up!\t \u00a0Hit\t \u00a0me!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0 dazed\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0dragged\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ocean\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0riptide\t \u00a0when,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0enjoying\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0nice\t \u00a0stroll\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0beach.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0pomegranate,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0juice\t \u00a0 splattered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Hit\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0back!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0spat.\t \u00a0\\\"Hit\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0back,\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0you!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0would.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0punishment\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0craved,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0 sleep\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0night.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0things\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0return\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0 us.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pelted\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0again.\t \u00a0\\\"You're\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0coward!\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0\\\"Nothing\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0goddamn\t \u00a0coward!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hit\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0All\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0finally\t \u00a0 stopped,\t \u00a0exhausted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0panting,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0smeared\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0 by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0firing\t \u00a0squad.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees,\t \u00a0tired,\t \u00a0spent,\t \u00a0frustrated.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0pick\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pomegranate.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 opened\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0own\t \u00a0forehead.\t \u00a0\\\"There,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0croaked,\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0 dripping\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0blood.\t \u00a0\\\"Are\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0satisfied?\t \u00a0Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0better?\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 turned\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0break\t \u00a0free,\t \u00a0rocked\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0knees.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Hassan?\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 you?\\\"\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tears\t \u00a0dried\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0trudged\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hill,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 answer\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0question.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0TURNED\t \u00a0THIRTEEN\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0of\t \u00a01976,\t \u00a0Afghanistan's\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0summer\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 peace\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0anonymity.\t \u00a0Things\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0cooling\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0 again.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stupid\t \u00a0comment\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 planting\t \u00a0tulips,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0servants.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0regretted\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0did-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't,\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0happy\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0interlude\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0end.\t \u00a0 Maybe\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0quite\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0soon,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have.\t \u00a0By\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 scraping\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spoon\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0fork\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0plate\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0replaced\t \u00a0dinner\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0chatter\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0resumed\t \u00a0retreating\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0study\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0supper.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0closing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0 I'd\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thumbing\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0Hafez\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Khayyam,\t \u00a0gnawing\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0nails\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cuticles,\t \u00a0writing\t \u00a0stories.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stories\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stack\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0keeping\t \u00a0","them\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0case,\t \u00a0though\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0doubted\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0again\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0motto\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0throwing\t \u00a0parties\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0this:\t \u00a0Invite\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whole\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0 it's\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0party.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0scanning\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0invitation\t \u00a0list\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 birthday\t \u00a0party\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0recognizing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0three-\u00ad\u2010quarters\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0four\t \u00a0hundred-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 plus\t \u00a0Kakas\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Khalas\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0gifts\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0congratulate\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 having\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thirteen.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0coming\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0birthday,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0real\t \u00a0star\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 For\t \u00a0days,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0teeming\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hired\t \u00a0help.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 Salahuddin\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0butcher,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0showed\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0calf\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0sheep\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0tow,\t \u00a0 refusing\t \u00a0payment\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0three.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0slaughtered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0animals\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 yard\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0poplar\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0\\\"Blood\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tree,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0saying\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 grass\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0poplar\t \u00a0soaked\t \u00a0red.\t \u00a0Men\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0climbed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0oak\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0coils\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0small\t \u00a0electric\t \u00a0bulbs\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0meters\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0extension\t \u00a0cords.\t \u00a0Others\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0 dozens\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0tables\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard,\t \u00a0spread\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tablecloth\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0each.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0 party\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0Del-\u00ad\u2010Muhammad,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0kabob\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Shar-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010Nau,\t \u00a0 came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bags\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0spices.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0butcher,\t \u00a0Del-\u00ad\u2010Muhammad-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010or\t \u00a0 Dello,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0called\t \u00a0him-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010refused\t \u00a0payment\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0services.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 done\t \u00a0enough\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0already.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0whispered\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0 Dello\t \u00a0marinated\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0meat,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0lent\t \u00a0Dello\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 restaurant.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0refused\t \u00a0repayment\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Dello\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0shown\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 driveway\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Benz\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0insisted\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0leave\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0guess\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0ways,\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ways\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0parties\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0judged,\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0bash\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0huge\t \u00a0success.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0packed.\t \u00a0Guests\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0drinks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0chatting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hallways,\t \u00a0smoking\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stairs,\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0 against\t \u00a0doorways.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0space,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0counters,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 foyer,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stairwell.\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0mingled\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glow\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 blue,\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0lights\t \u00a0winking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0illuminated\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 light\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kerosene\t \u00a0torches\t \u00a0propped\t \u00a0everywhere.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stage\t \u00a0built\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 balcony\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0overlooked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garden\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0speakers\t \u00a0throughout\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0 Ahmad\t \u00a0Zahir\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0accordion\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stage\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0masses\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 dancing\t \u00a0bodies.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0greet\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0personally-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010Baba\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that;\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 one\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0gossip\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 manners.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0hundreds\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cheeks,\t \u00a0hugged\t \u00a0total\t \u00a0strangers,\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0gifts.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0ached\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0strain\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0plastered\t \u00a0smile.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard\t \u00a0near\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bar\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0 \\\"Happy\t \u00a0birthday,\t \u00a0Amir.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Assef,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0parents.\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0Mahmood,\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0short,\t \u00a0lanky\t \u00a0sort\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0skin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0narrow\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0mother,\t \u00a0Tanya,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0small,\t \u00a0nervous\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0smiled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blinked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lot.\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0 between\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0grinning,\t \u00a0looming\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0both,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0resting\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 their\t \u00a0shoulders.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0us,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0here.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0parent,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0children.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0wave\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0dizziness\t \u00a0rushed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0thanked\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0coming.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0picked\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0present\t \u00a0myself,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Tanya's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0twitched\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0smiled,\t \u00a0unconvincingly,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blinked.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0noticed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Still\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0soccer,\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0jan?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 friends\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Assef.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0creepy\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0genuinely\t \u00a0sweet\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0look.\t \u00a0\\\"Of\t \u00a0 course,\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0jan.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Right\t \u00a0wing,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0recall?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Actually,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0switched\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0center\t \u00a0forward\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0year,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 score\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way.\t \u00a0We're\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Mekro-\u00ad\u2010Rayan\t \u00a0team\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0Should\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0match.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0players.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0center\t \u00a0forward\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0young.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0bet\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0favored\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0good-\u00ad\u2010natured\t \u00a0wink.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wink.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0world-\u00ad\u2010 famous\t \u00a0flattering\t \u00a0ways.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0elbowed\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0father,\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0 fellow\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0Mahmood's\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0convincing\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Tanya's\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0maybe,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0level,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0frightened\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tried\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0fake\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0manage\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0feeble\t \u00a0up-\u00ad\u2010turning\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corners\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0mouth-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010my\t \u00a0stomach\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sight\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0bonding\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0Assef.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Assef\t \u00a0shifted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Wali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0 miss\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0anything,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0laughter\t \u00a0lurking\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 surface.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0silently.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We're\t \u00a0thinking\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0playing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0game\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0volleyball\t \u00a0tomorrow\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 house,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"Maybe\t \u00a0you'll\t \u00a0join\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0Bring\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0sounds\t \u00a0fun,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0beaming.\t \u00a0\\\"What\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0think,\t \u00a0Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0volleyball,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0muttered.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0wink\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0uncomfortable\t \u00a0silence\t \u00a0followed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sorry,\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0jan,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0shrugging.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0stung,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0apologizing\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 me.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Nay,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0harm\t \u00a0done,\\\"\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0invitation,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0 jan.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Anyway,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0read\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0book.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 favorites.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0extended\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0gift\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"Happy\t \u00a0birthday.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cotton\t \u00a0shirt\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0slacks,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0silk\t \u00a0tie\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0shiny\t \u00a0 black\t \u00a0loafers.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cologne\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0blond\t \u00a0hair\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0neatly\t \u00a0combed\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 On\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0surface,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0embodiment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0parent's\t \u00a0dream,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0strong,\t \u00a0tall,\t \u00a0 well-\u00ad\u2010dressed\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0well-\u00ad\u2010mannered\t \u00a0boy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0talent\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0striking\t \u00a0looks,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 mention\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wit\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0joke\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0adult.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0betrayed\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 looked\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0facade\t \u00a0faltered,\t \u00a0revealed\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0glimpse\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0madness\t \u00a0hiding\t \u00a0 behind\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Aren't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0Amir?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying.\t \u00a0\\\"Huh?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Your\t \u00a0present,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0testily.\t \u00a0\\\"Assef\t \u00a0jan\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0giving\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0present.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Oh,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lowered\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0gaze.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0alone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0books,\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0people.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Well?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0voice,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0whenever\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0 him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0public.\t \u00a0\\\"Aren't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0jan?\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0considerate\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 him.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0stop\t \u00a0calling\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0How\t \u00a0often\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0\\\"Amir\t \u00a0 jan\\\"?\t \u00a0\\\"Thanks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0say\t \u00a0 something,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0didn't,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0realized\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0neither\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0parents\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 word.\t \u00a0Before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0embarrass\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0anymore-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010but\t \u00a0mostly\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0 away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0grin-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0\\\"Thanks\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0coming,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0squirmed\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0throng\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0slipped\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wrought-\u00ad\u2010iron\t \u00a0gates.\t \u00a0Two\t \u00a0houses\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0large,\t \u00a0barren\t \u00a0 dirt\t \u00a0lot.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0judge\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 an\t \u00a0architect\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0working\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0design.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lot\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0bare,\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0dirt,\t \u00a0 stones,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0weeds.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0tore\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wrapping\t \u00a0paper\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0present\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tilted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moonlight.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0biography\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hitler.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0amid\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tangle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weeds.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0leaned\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighbor's\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0ground.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0while,\t \u00a0knees\t \u00a0drawn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0chest,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0stars,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0over.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Shouldn't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0entertaining\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0guests?\\\"\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0familiar\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0 Khan\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"They\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0there,\t \u00a0remember?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0ice\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0clinked\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0drank.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Turns\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0do,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0Elbowed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0playfully.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0most\t \u00a0 important\t \u00a0occasions.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0smiled.\t \u00a0\\\"Thanks.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0tipped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sip.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cigarette,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 unfiltered\t \u00a0Pakistani\t \u00a0cigarettes\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0smoking.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0married\t \u00a0once?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Really?\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0smiling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0notion\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0 married.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0quiet\t \u00a0alter\t \u00a0ego,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0writing\t \u00a0mentor,\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0pal,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forgot\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0souvenir,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0saughat,\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 returned\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0trip\t \u00a0abroad.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0husband?\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0father?\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0true.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 eighteen.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0name\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Homaira.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Hazara,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0daughter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 neighbor's\t \u00a0servants.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0beautiful\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pari,\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0hair,\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0hazel\t \u00a0 eyes...\t \u00a0she\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0laugh...\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0sometimes.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0twirled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0glass.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0 used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0meet\t \u00a0secretly\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0apple\t \u00a0orchards,\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0midnight\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0 everyone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sleep.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0hold\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0hand...\t \u00a0 Am\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0embarrassing\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"A\t \u00a0little,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It\t \u00a0won't\t \u00a0kill\t \u00a0you,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0puff.\t \u00a0\\\"Anyway,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0 fantasy.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0great,\t \u00a0fancy\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0invite\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kandahar.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0build\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0white\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tiled\t \u00a0patio\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 large\t \u00a0windows.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0plant\t \u00a0fruit\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0garden\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0grow\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0sorts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 flowers,\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lawn\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0Fridays,\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0_namaz_\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 mosque,\t \u00a0everyone\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0together\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0lunch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0eat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 garden,\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0cherry\t \u00a0trees,\t \u00a0drink\t \u00a0fresh\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0well.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0tea\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0candy\t \u00a0 as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0play\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0cousins...\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0gulp\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0scotch.\t \u00a0Coughed.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mother\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0fainted.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0sisters\t \u00a0 splashed\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0water.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0fanned\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0slit\t \u00a0 her\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0Jalal\t \u00a0actually\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fetch\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hunting\t \u00a0rifle\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 father\t \u00a0stopped\t \u00a0him.\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0barked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bitter\t \u00a0laughter.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Homaira\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan:\t \u00a0In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0 wins.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0things.\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"So\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0happened?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"That\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0day,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0put\t \u00a0Homaira\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lorry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sent\t \u00a0 them\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Hazarajat.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0again.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Probably\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best,\t \u00a0though,\\\"\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0shrugging.\t \u00a0\\\"She\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 have\t \u00a0suffered.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0family\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0accepted\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0equal.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 order\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0polish\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0shoes\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0call\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0'sister'\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0 looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0\\\"You\t \u00a0know,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anything\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0want,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0jan.\t \u00a0Anytime.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0know,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0uncertainly.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0time,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 waiting,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0bottomless\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0hinting\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0unspoken\t \u00a0secret\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Almost\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0everything,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0 would\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0hate\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rightfully.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Here.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0handed\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0something.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0forgot.\t \u00a0Happy\t \u00a0birthday.\\\"\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brown\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010bound\t \u00a0notebook.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0traced\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0fingers\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gold-\u00ad\u2010colored\t \u00a0 stitching\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0borders.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0smelled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather.\t \u00a0\\\"For\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0stories,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0thank\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0exploded\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0bursts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fire\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Fireworks!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0guests\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 yard,\t \u00a0looking\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0Kids\t \u00a0hooted\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0screamed\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0crackle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 whoosh.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0cheered,\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0applause\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0flares\t \u00a0sizzled\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 exploded\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0bouquets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0fire.\t \u00a0Every\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0seconds,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard\t \u00a0lit\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0sudden\t \u00a0 flashes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0green,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yellow.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0brief\t \u00a0bursts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0light,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget:\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0serving\t \u00a0drinks\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0silver\t \u00a0platter.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0winked\t \u00a0 out,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hiss\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0crackle,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0flicker\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0orange\t \u00a0light:\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0grinning,\t \u00a0 kneading\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chest\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0knuckle.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Then,\t \u00a0mercifully,\t \u00a0darkness.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 NINE\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0ripped\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 presents.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0bothered,\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0joyless\t \u00a0 glance\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0pitched\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0growing\t \u00a0there:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 Polaroid\t \u00a0camera,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0transistor\t \u00a0radio,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0elaborate\t \u00a0electric\t \u00a0train\t \u00a0set-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0several\t \u00a0 sealed\t \u00a0envelopes\t \u00a0containing\t \u00a0cash.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0spend\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0radio,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0electric\t \u00a0train\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0trundle\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0tracks\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0money;\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0party\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0won\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tournament.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0presents.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sure\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0envy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0kid\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0neighborhood:\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brand\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0Schwinn\t \u00a0Stingray,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0king\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0bicycles.\t \u00a0Only\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kids\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0owned\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0Stingray\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 them.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0high-\u00ad\u2010rise\t \u00a0handlebars\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0rubber\t \u00a0grips\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0famous\t \u00a0banana\t \u00a0 seat.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0spokes\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0colored\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steel-\u00ad\u2010frame\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0candy\t \u00a0 apple.\t \u00a0Or\t \u00a0blood.\t \u00a0Any\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0kid\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0hopped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bike\t \u00a0immediately\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 taken\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0full\t \u00a0block\t \u00a0skid.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0months\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"You\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0leaning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0doorway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 sheepish\t \u00a0grin\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0quick\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0mustered\t \u00a0more.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0ride,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0An\t \u00a0invitation,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0halfhearted\t \u00a0 one.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"Maybe\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0tired,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Sure,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Baba?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Thanks\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fireworks,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0thank-\u00ad\u2010you,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0halfhearted\t \u00a0one.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Get\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0rest,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0walking\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0present\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0me-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010and\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0wait\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 open\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wristwatch.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0gold\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shape\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0lightning\t \u00a0bolts.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0try\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0toys\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 corner.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0gift\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0toss\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0mound\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan's\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010 bound\t \u00a0notebook.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0only\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0blood\t \u00a0money.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands,\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Homaira,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father's\t \u00a0dismissing\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0end.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0suffered.\t \u00a0Like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0Kaka\t \u00a0 Homayoun's\t \u00a0projector\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0stuck\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0slide,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0image\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0flashing\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0over:\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0downcast,\t \u00a0serving\t \u00a0drinks\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0Wali.\t \u00a0Maybe\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0best.\t \u00a0Lessen\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0suffering.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0mine\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0 Either\t \u00a0way,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0clear:\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Later\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0afternoon,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Schwinn\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0its\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0spin.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 pedaled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0block\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 driveway\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backyard\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0cleaning\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mess\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0 last\t \u00a0night's\t \u00a0party.\t \u00a0Paper\t \u00a0cups,\t \u00a0crumpled\t \u00a0napkins,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0bottles\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0soda\t \u00a0 littered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard.\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0folding\t \u00a0chairs,\t \u00a0setting\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0waved.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Salaam,\t \u00a0Ali,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0waving\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 He\t \u00a0held\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0finger,\t \u00a0asking\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0wait,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0quarters.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0 moment\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0emerged\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0\\\"The\t \u00a0opportunity\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 presented\t \u00a0itself\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0this,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0handing\t \u00a0 me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0box.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0modest\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0worthy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Amir\t \u00a0agha.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0hope\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 still.\t \u00a0Happy\t \u00a0birthday.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0lump\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rising\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0you,\t \u00a0Ali,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wished\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 hadn't\t \u00a0bought\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anything.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0box\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brand\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0 _Shahnamah_,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hardback\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0glossy\t \u00a0colored\t \u00a0illustrations\t \u00a0beneath\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passages.\t \u00a0 Here\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Ferangis\t \u00a0gazing\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0newborn\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0Kai\t \u00a0Khosrau.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Afrasiyab\t \u00a0 riding\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0horse,\t \u00a0sword\t \u00a0drawn,\t \u00a0leading\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0army.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0course,\t \u00a0Rostam\t \u00a0inflicting\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0mortal\t \u00a0wound\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0warrior\t \u00a0Sohrab.\t \u00a0\\\"It's\t \u00a0beautiful,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hassan\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0copy\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0ragged,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0missing,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"All\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pictures\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0hand-\u00ad\u2010drawn\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0pen\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 ink,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0added\t \u00a0proudly,\t \u00a0eyeing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0neither\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0nor\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0read.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0lovely,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0And,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0suspected,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0inexpensive\t \u00a0either.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0book,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0unworthy.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hopped\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0bicycle.\t \u00a0\\\"Thank\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0ended\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0tossing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0heap\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gifts\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bottom.\t \u00a0Before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 bed\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0anywhere.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0NEXT\t \u00a0MORNING,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0clear\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0breakfast\t \u00a0table\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0kitchen.\t \u00a0Waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dishes,\t \u00a0wipe\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0counters.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 bedroom\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0grocery\t \u00a0shopping\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bazaar,\t \u00a0pushing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0wheelbarrows\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0front\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0envelopes\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cash\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pile\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0gifts\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 watch,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tiptoed\t \u00a0out.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0paused\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0study\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0He'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 there\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0phone\t \u00a0calls.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0talking\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 shipment\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rugs\t \u00a0due\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0arrive\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0week.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0downstairs,\t \u00a0crossed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0yard,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0entered\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0quarters\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0loquat\t \u00a0tree.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0 mattress\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0planted\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0new\t \u00a0watch\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0handful\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Afghani\t \u00a0bills\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0it.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0thirty\t \u00a0minutes.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0hoped\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0line\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shameful\t \u00a0lies.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THROUGH\t \u00a0MY\t \u00a0BEDROOM\t \u00a0WINDOW,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0push\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 wheelbarrows\t \u00a0loaded\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0meat,\t \u00a0_naan_,\t \u00a0fruit,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0vegetables\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driveway.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 saw\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0emerge\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0walk\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Ali.\t \u00a0Their\t \u00a0mouths\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0 words\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0hear.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0pointed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0nodded.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0separated.\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house;\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0followed\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0hut.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0moments\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0knocked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0\\\"Come\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0office,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We're\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0settle\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0thing.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0study,\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0leather\t \u00a0sofas.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0thirty\t \u00a0 minutes\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0joined\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THEY'D\t \u00a0BOTH\t \u00a0BEEN\t \u00a0CRYING;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0red,\t \u00a0puffed\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0eyes.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0 stood\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0hand,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0 capable\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0causing\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0kind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pain.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0\\\"Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0money?\t \u00a0Did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0 Amir's\t \u00a0watch,\t \u00a0Hassan?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Hassan's\t \u00a0reply\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0word,\t \u00a0delivered\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thin,\t \u00a0raspy\t \u00a0voice:\t \u00a0\\\"Yes.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0flinched,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0slapped.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0sank\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0blurted\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0truth.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood:\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Hassan's\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0sacrifice\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 no,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0because\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0lied.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0","Baba\t \u00a0believed\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0accused;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0explain\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0revealed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0never,\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 led\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0understanding:\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0everything\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 alley,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0betrayed\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rescuing\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0once\t \u00a0again,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 moment,\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0ever\t \u00a0loved\t \u00a0anyone,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0 all\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0snake\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grass,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0monster\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lake.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0worthy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 this\t \u00a0sacrifice;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0liar,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0cheat,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thief.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0told,\t \u00a0except\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 part\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0glad.\t \u00a0Glad\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0soon.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 dismiss\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0pain,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0on.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0move\t \u00a0on,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0forget,\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0start\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0clean\t \u00a0slate.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0able\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0breathe\t \u00a0 again.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Except\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0stunned\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Forgive?\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0theft\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0unforgivable\t \u00a0sin,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0common\t \u00a0 denominator\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0sins.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0kill\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0life.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0wife's\t \u00a0 right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0husband,\t \u00a0rob\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0father.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lie,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0 someone's\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truth.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0cheat,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0steal\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0right\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0fairness.\t \u00a0 There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0act\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0wretched\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0stealing.\t \u00a0Hadn't\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lap\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 said\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0words\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0Hassan?\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 could\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0being\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0son\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0 always\t \u00a0wanted?\t \u00a0Why-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010\\\"We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0leaving,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0color\t \u00a0draining\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0live\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0anymore,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forgive\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear?\\\"\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0Baba.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Life\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0impossible\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0now,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib.\t \u00a0We're\t \u00a0leaving.\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0drew\t \u00a0 Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0curled\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0son's\t \u00a0shoulder.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0protective\t \u00a0 gesture\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0whom\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0protecting\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0from.\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0glanced\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cold,\t \u00a0unforgiving\t \u00a0look,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0 everything,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0Assef\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0friends\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite,\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Strangely,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0glad\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0was;\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0tired\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0pretending.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0care\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0money\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0watch,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0arms\t \u00a0open,\t \u00a0 palms\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0this...\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0mean\t \u00a0 'impossible'?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I'm\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0bags\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0packed.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0made\t \u00a0 our\t \u00a0decision.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sheen\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0grief\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0\\\"Ali,\t \u00a0haven't\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0provided\t \u00a0 well\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you?\t \u00a0Haven't\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan?\t \u00a0You're\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0 had,\t \u00a0Ali,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0that.\t \u00a0Please\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0this.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Don't\t \u00a0make\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0difficult\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0is,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0 said.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0twitched\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0moment,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grimace.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0understood\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0depth\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0caused,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blackness\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grief\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0onto\t \u00a0everyone,\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0Ali's\t \u00a0paralyzed\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0mask\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 sorrow.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forced\t \u00a0myself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Hassan,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0downcast,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 shoulders\t \u00a0slumped,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0twirling\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0loose\t \u00a0string\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hem\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shirt.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0pleading\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0\\\"At\t \u00a0least\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0why.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0need\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0know!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Ali\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0Baba,\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0protest\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0confessed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 stealing.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0know\t \u00a0why,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0imagine\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 dim\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0hut,\t \u00a0weeping,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0pleading\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0give\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0 imagine\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0restraint\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0must\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0taken\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0keep\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0promise.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0station?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0forbid\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0this!\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0bellowed.\t \u00a0\\\"Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0hear\t \u00a0me?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0forbid\t \u00a0you!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Respectfully,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0can't\t \u00a0forbid\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0anything,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"We\t \u00a0 don't\t \u00a0work\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0anymore.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Where\t \u00a0will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0go?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0voice\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0breaking.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Hazarajat.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"To\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0cousin?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Yes.\t \u00a0Will\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0station,\t \u00a0Agha\t \u00a0sahib?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Then\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0before:\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0cried.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0 scared\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little,\t \u00a0seeing\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grown\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0sob.\t \u00a0Fathers\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0cry.\t \u00a0 \\\"Please,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0saying,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0trailing\t \u00a0 him.\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0forget\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0that,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pain\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0plea,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0fear.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 IN\t \u00a0KABUL,\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0rarely\t \u00a0rained\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summer.\t \u00a0Blue\t \u00a0skies\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0tall\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0far,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sun\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0branding\t \u00a0iron\t \u00a0searing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0neck.\t \u00a0Creeks\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 skipped\t \u00a0stones\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0spring\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0dry,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rickshaws\t \u00a0stirred\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0 sputtered\t \u00a0by.\t \u00a0People\t \u00a0went\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0mosques\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0ten\t \u00a0raka'ts\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0noontime\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0retreated\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0whatever\t \u00a0shade\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0nap\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 cool\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0early\t \u00a0evening.\t \u00a0Summer\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0school\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0sweating\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0tightly\t \u00a0 packed,\t \u00a0poorly\t \u00a0ventilated\t \u00a0classrooms\t \u00a0learning\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0recite\t \u00a0ayats\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Koran,\t \u00a0 struggling\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0tongue-\u00ad\u2010twisting,\t \u00a0exotic\t \u00a0Arabic\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0catching\t \u00a0 flies\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0your\t \u00a0palm\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0mullah\t \u00a0droned\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hot\t \u00a0breeze\t \u00a0brought\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0smell\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0shit\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0outhouse\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0schoolyard,\t \u00a0churning\t \u00a0dust\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0lone\t \u00a0rickety\t \u00a0basketball\t \u00a0hoop.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 But\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0rained\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0afternoon\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bus\t \u00a0station.\t \u00a0 Thunderheads\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0painted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0iron\t \u00a0gray.\t \u00a0Within\t \u00a0minutes,\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0sweeping\t \u00a0in,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0steady\t \u00a0hiss\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0falling\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0swelling\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0ears.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0offered\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Bamiyan\t \u00a0himself,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0refused.\t \u00a0 Through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0blurry,\t \u00a0rain-\u00ad\u2010soaked\t \u00a0window\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bedroom,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0haul\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 lone\t \u00a0suitcase\t \u00a0carrying\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0belongings\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0idling\t \u00a0outside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 gates.\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0lugged\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mattress,\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0tightly\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tied\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0rope,\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0 He'd\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0toys\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0empty\t \u00a0shack-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0discovered\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0 day,\t \u00a0piled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0birthday\t \u00a0presents\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0room.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 Slithering\t \u00a0beads\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0sluiced\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0window.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0slam\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 trunk\t \u00a0shut.\t \u00a0Already\t \u00a0drenched,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0walked\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver's\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0Leaned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Ali\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backseat,\t \u00a0perhaps\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0last-\u00ad\u2010ditch\t \u00a0effort\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0change\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 mind.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0talked\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0awhile,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0soaked,\t \u00a0stooping,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0roof\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0straightened,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0slumping\t \u00a0shoulders\t \u00a0 that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0life\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0known\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0born\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0over.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0slid\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 headlights\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cut\t \u00a0twin\t \u00a0funnels\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rain.\t \u00a0If\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0movies\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0used\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0watch,\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0run\t \u00a0 outside,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0splashing\t \u00a0rainwater.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0chase\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car,\t \u00a0screaming\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 stop.\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0backseat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 tears\t \u00a0mixing\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0rainwater.\t \u00a0We'd\t \u00a0hug\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0downpour.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0Hindi\t \u00a0 movie.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0sorry,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0cry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0chase\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0car.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0 car\t \u00a0pull\t \u00a0away\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curb,\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0person\t \u00a0whose\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0spoken\t \u00a0word\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0name.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0final\t \u00a0blurry\t \u00a0glimpse\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0slumped\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 back\t \u00a0seat\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0street\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0marbles\t \u00a0 so\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0times.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0stepped\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0rain\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0windowpanes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0 like\t \u00a0melting\t \u00a0silver.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TEN\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 _March\t \u00a01981_\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 A\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0dressed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0olive\t \u00a0green\t \u00a0dress\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0shawl\t \u00a0wrapped\t \u00a0tightly\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night\t \u00a0chill.\t \u00a0She\t \u00a0burst\t \u00a0 into\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0time\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0jerked\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0stumbled\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pothole,\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0 \\\"Bismillah!\\\"\t \u00a0peaking\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0shudders\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0jolts.\t \u00a0Her\t \u00a0husband,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 burly\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0baggy\t \u00a0pants\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0blue\t \u00a0turban,\t \u00a0cradled\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0infant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0arm\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 thumbed\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0beads\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0free\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0lips\t \u00a0moved\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0silent\t \u00a0prayer.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0others,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dozen,\t \u00a0including\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 suitcases\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0legs,\t \u00a0cramped\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0these\t \u00a0strangers\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tarpaulin-\u00ad\u2010 covered\t \u00a0cab\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 My\t \u00a0innards\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0roiling\t \u00a0since\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0after\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 morning.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0so,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0sickness\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0another\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 my\t \u00a0array\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0weakness-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0embarrassed\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0 stomach\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0clenched\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0badly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0moaned.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0burly\t \u00a0guy\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 beads-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010the\t \u00a0praying\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0husband-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010asked\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0sick,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 might.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tarpaulin\t \u00a0cover\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 rapped\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver's\t \u00a0window,\t \u00a0asked\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0driver,\t \u00a0Karim,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 scrawny\t \u00a0dark-\u00ad\u2010skinned\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0hawk-\u00ad\u2010boned\t \u00a0features\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pencil-\u00ad\u2010thin\t \u00a0 mustache,\t \u00a0shook\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"We\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0close\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Kabul,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0shot\t \u00a0back.\t \u00a0\\\"Tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0strong\t \u00a0 stomach.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0grumbled\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0breath.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 sorry,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0salivating,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat\t \u00a0tasting\t \u00a0bile.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0 around,\t \u00a0lifted\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tarpaulin,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moving\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0 Behind\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0apologizing\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0passengers.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0car\t \u00a0sickness\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 a\t \u00a0crime.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0weren't\t \u00a0supposed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0sick\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0eighteen.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0threw\t \u00a0 up\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0agreed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop,\t \u00a0mostly\t \u00a0so\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0wouldn't\t \u00a0stink\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 vehicle,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0instrument\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0livelihood.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0smuggler-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 pretty\t \u00a0lucrative\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0then,\t \u00a0driving\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Shorawi-\u00ad\u2010occupied\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0relative\t \u00a0safety\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Pakistan.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0170\t \u00a0 kilometers\t \u00a0southeast\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Kabul,\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother,\t \u00a0Toor,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bigger\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0convoy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0refugees,\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Khyber\t \u00a0Pass\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0kilometers\t \u00a0west\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Mahipar\t \u00a0Falls\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0Mahipar-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010which\t \u00a0means\t \u00a0\\\"Flying\t \u00a0Fish\\\"-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010was\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0high\t \u00a0summit\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 precipitous\t \u00a0drop\t \u00a0overlooking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hydro\t \u00a0plant\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Germans\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0built\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0 Afghanistan\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0in\t \u00a01967.\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0driven\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0summit\t \u00a0countless\t \u00a0 times\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Jalalabad,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0city\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0cypress\t \u00a0trees\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0sugarcane\t \u00a0fields\t \u00a0 where\t \u00a0Afghans\t \u00a0vacationed\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0winter.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0hopped\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0lurched\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dusty\t \u00a0 embankment\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mouth\t \u00a0filled\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0saliva,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sign\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 retching\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0yet\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0come.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stumbled\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cliff\t \u00a0overlooking\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 deep\t \u00a0valley\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shrouded\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0dark\t \u00a0ness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0stooped,\t \u00a0hands\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0kneecaps,\t \u00a0 and\t \u00a0waited\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bile.\t \u00a0Somewhere,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0branch\t \u00a0snapped,\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0owl\t \u00a0hooted.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0wind,\t \u00a0 soft\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0cold,\t \u00a0clicked\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0tree\t \u00a0branches\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0stirred\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bushes\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 sprinkled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0slope.\t \u00a0And\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0below,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0faint\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0tumbling\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0valley.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 Standing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 house\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0lived\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0entire\t \u00a0life,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bite:\t \u00a0dishes\t \u00a0 smeared\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0kofta\t \u00a0piled\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kitchen\t \u00a0sink;\t \u00a0laundry\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wicker\t \u00a0basket\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 foyer;\t \u00a0beds\t \u00a0unmade;\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0business\t \u00a0suits\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0closet.\t \u00a0Tapestries\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0 hung\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0mother's\t \u00a0books\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0crowded\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 shelves\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0study.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0signs\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0elopement\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0subtle:\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0parents'\t \u00a0 wedding\t \u00a0picture\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone,\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grainy\t \u00a0photograph\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0grandfather\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 King\t \u00a0Nader\t \u00a0Shah\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0deer.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0few\t \u00a0items\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0clothing\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0 missing\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0closets.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0leather-\u00ad\u2010bound\t \u00a0notebook\t \u00a0Rahim\t \u00a0Khan\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0given\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0 five\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0earlier\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0gone.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0Jalaluddin-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010our\t \u00a0seventh\t \u00a0servant\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0five\t \u00a0years-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010would\t \u00a0 probably\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0stroll\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0drive.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0hadn't\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0You\t \u00a0 couldn't\t \u00a0trust\t \u00a0anyone\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Kabul\t \u00a0any\t \u00a0more-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fee\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0threat,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0each\t \u00a0other,\t \u00a0neighbor\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0neighbor,\t \u00a0child\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0parent,\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0brother,\t \u00a0servant\t \u00a0 on\t \u00a0master,\t \u00a0friend\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0friend.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0singer\t \u00a0Ahmad\t \u00a0Zahir,\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0played\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0accordion\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0thirteenth\t \u00a0birthday.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0gone\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0drive\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0 friends,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0later\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0body\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0road,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bullet\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0rafiqs,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0comrades,\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0everywhere\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0split\t \u00a0 Kabul\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0groups:\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0eavesdropped\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0those\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0didn't.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 tricky\t \u00a0part\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0belonged\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0which.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0casual\t \u00a0remark\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 tailor\t \u00a0while\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0fitted\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0suit\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0land\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dungeons\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0Poleh-\u00ad\u2010 charkhi.\t \u00a0Complain\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0curfew\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0butcher\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0knew,\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0 were\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0bars\t \u00a0staring\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0muzzle\t \u00a0end\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0Kalashnikov.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dinner\t \u00a0 table,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0privacy\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0home,\t \u00a0people\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0speak\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0calculated\t \u00a0manner-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010 the\t \u00a0rafiqs\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0classrooms\t \u00a0too;\t \u00a0they'd\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0children\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0spy\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0 parents,\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0listen\t \u00a0for,\t \u00a0whom\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0tell.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 What\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0doing\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0road\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0middle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0night?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0 been\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0bed,\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0blanket,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0book\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0dog-\u00ad\u2010eared\t \u00a0pages\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0side.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0dream.\t \u00a0Had\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0be.\t \u00a0Tomorrow\t \u00a0morning,\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0wake\t \u00a0up,\t \u00a0peek\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0window:\t \u00a0 No\t \u00a0grim-\u00ad\u2010faced\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldiers\t \u00a0patrolling\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sidewalks,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0tanks\t \u00a0rolling\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0streets\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0city,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0turrets\t \u00a0swiveling\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0accusing\t \u00a0fingers,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0 rubble,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0curfews,\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0Army\t \u00a0Personnel\t \u00a0Carriers\t \u00a0weaving\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 bazaars.\t \u00a0Then,\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0me,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0discussing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0arrangement\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 Jalalabad\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smoke.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0reassuring\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0big\t \u00a0 truck\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0\\\"excellent\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0first-\u00ad\u2010class\t \u00a0quality,\\\"\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0trek\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0 be\t \u00a0very\t \u00a0routine.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0there\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0closed,\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 overheard\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0telling\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0 soldiers\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0worked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0checkpoints,\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0set\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0\\\"mutually\t \u00a0 profitable\\\"\t \u00a0arrangement.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0dream.\t \u00a0As\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0cue,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0MiG\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0 screamed\t \u00a0past\t \u00a0overhead.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0tossed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0produced\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0 from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0waist.\t \u00a0Pointing\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0shooting\t \u00a0gestures,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0spat\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 cursed\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0MiG.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0was.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0inevitable.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0vomited\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0tangle\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0weeds,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0retching\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0groaning\t \u00a0drowned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0deafening\t \u00a0roar\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0MiG.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0PULLED\t \u00a0UP\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0checkpoint\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0Mahipar\t \u00a0twenty\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0later.\t \u00a0Our\t \u00a0driver\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0idle\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hopped\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0greet\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0approaching\t \u00a0voices.\t \u00a0Feet\t \u00a0crushed\t \u00a0 gravel.\t \u00a0Words\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0exchanged,\t \u00a0brief\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0hushed.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0flick\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0lighter.\t \u00a0\\\"Spasseba.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Another\t \u00a0flick\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0lighter.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0laughed,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0shrill\t \u00a0cackling\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0jump.\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0clamped\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0thigh.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0 into\t \u00a0song,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0slurring,\t \u00a0off-\u00ad\u2010key\t \u00a0rendition\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0song,\t \u00a0delivered\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thick\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0accent:\t \u00a0Ahesta\t \u00a0boro,\t \u00a0Mah-\u00ad\u2010e-\u00ad\u2010man,\t \u00a0ahesta\t \u00a0boro.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Go\t \u00a0slowly,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0lovely\t \u00a0moon,\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0slowly.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Boot\t \u00a0heels\t \u00a0clicked\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0asphalt.\t \u00a0Someone\t \u00a0flung\t \u00a0open\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tarpaulin\t \u00a0hanging\t \u00a0 over\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0three\t \u00a0faces\t \u00a0peered\t \u00a0in.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Karim,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0 two\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0soldiers,\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0Afghan,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0grinning\t \u00a0Russian,\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bulldog's,\t \u00a0 cigarette\t \u00a0dangling\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0side\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0Behind\t \u00a0them,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bone-\u00ad\u2010colored\t \u00a0moon\t \u00a0 hung\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sky.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0brief\t \u00a0exchange\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Pashtu.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 caught\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0it-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010something\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0Toor\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0luck.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0 thrust\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rear\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0humming\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0song\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0 drumming\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0finger\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0edge\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tailgate.\t \u00a0Even\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dim\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 moon,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0glazed\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0skipped\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0passenger\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 passenger.\t \u00a0Despite\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0cold,\t \u00a0sweat\t \u00a0streamed\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0brow.\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0settled\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0wearing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0black\t \u00a0shawl.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0 without\t \u00a0taking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0off\t \u00a0her.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0curt\t \u00a0reply\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0Russian,\t \u00a0which\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 soldier\t \u00a0returned\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0curter\t \u00a0retort.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Afghan\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0 too,\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0low,\t \u00a0reasoning\t \u00a0voice.\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0shouted\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 made\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0other\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0flinch.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0could\t \u00a0feel\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0tightening\t \u00a0up\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0me.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0 cleared\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat,\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head.\t \u00a0Said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0wanted\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 lady\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0shawl\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0face.\t \u00a0Burst\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0tears.\t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0toddler\t \u00a0sitting\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0her\t \u00a0husband's\t \u00a0lap\t \u00a0started\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0husband's\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0 had\t \u00a0become\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0pale\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0moon\t \u00a0hovering\t \u00a0above.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0\\\"Mister\t \u00a0 Soldier\t \u00a0Sahib\\\"\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0show\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0little\t \u00a0mercy,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0sister\t \u00a0or\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0mother,\t \u00a0maybe\t \u00a0 he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0wife\t \u00a0too.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0listened\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0barked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0series\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0words.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0price\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0letting\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0pass,\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0himself\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 look\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0husband\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"But\t \u00a0we've\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0fair\t \u00a0price\t \u00a0already.\t \u00a0He's\t \u00a0getting\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0money,\\\"\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 husband\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Karim\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0says...\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0every\t \u00a0price\t \u00a0has\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 tax.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 That\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0up.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0turn\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0clamp\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 thigh,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0pried\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0loose,\t \u00a0snatched\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0When\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0stood,\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0eclipsed\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0moonlight.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0ask\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0something,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Karim,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0looked\t \u00a0directly\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0officer.\t \u00a0\\\"Ask\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0shame\t \u00a0is.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 They\t \u00a0spoke.\t \u00a0\\\"He\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0war.\t \u00a0There\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0shame\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0war.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0he's\t \u00a0wrong.\t \u00a0War\t \u00a0doesn't\t \u00a0negate\t \u00a0decency.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0demands\t \u00a0it,\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0 more\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0times\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0peace.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Do\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0always\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0hero?\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought,\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0heart\t \u00a0fluttering.\t \u00a0Can't\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0once?\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0couldn't-\u00ad\u2010-\u00ad\u2010it\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nature.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0 problem\t \u00a0was,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0nature\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0get\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0killed.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Karim,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0smile\t \u00a0creasing\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0lips.\t \u00a0 \\\"Agha\t \u00a0sahib,\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0\\\"these\t \u00a0Roussi\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0us.\t \u00a0They\t \u00a0understand\t \u00a0nothing\t \u00a0 about\t \u00a0respect,\t \u00a0honor.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0say?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"He\t \u00a0says\t \u00a0he'll\t \u00a0enjoy\t \u00a0putting\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bullet\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0much\t \u00a0as...\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0 trailed\t \u00a0off,\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0nodded\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0toward\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 guard's\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0flicked\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0unfinished\t \u00a0cigarette\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0unholstered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 handgun.\t \u00a0So\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0where\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0dies,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0thought.\t \u00a0This\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0how\t \u00a0it's\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0happen.\t \u00a0 In\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0prayer\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0learned\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0school.\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0I'll\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0thousand\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0bullets\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0this\t \u00a0indecency\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0 place,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0My\t \u00a0mind\t \u00a0flashed\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0winter\t \u00a0day\t \u00a0six\t \u00a0years\t \u00a0ago.\t \u00a0Me,\t \u00a0peering\t \u00a0 around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0alley.\t \u00a0Kamal\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Wali\t \u00a0holding\t \u00a0Hassan\t \u00a0down.\t \u00a0Assef's\t \u00a0 buttock\t \u00a0muscles\t \u00a0clenching\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0unclenching,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0hips\t \u00a0thrusting\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0forth.\t \u00a0 Some\t \u00a0hero\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0been,\t \u00a0fretting\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0kite.\t \u00a0Sometimes,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0too\t \u00a0wondered\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 really\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0bulldog-\u00ad\u2010faced\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0raised\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0gun.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Baba,\t \u00a0sit\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0please,\\\"\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0tugging\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sleeve.\t \u00a0\\\"I\t \u00a0think\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0really\t \u00a0 means\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0you.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0slapped\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hand\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0\\\"Haven't\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0taught\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0anything?\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 snapped.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0turned\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0grinning\t \u00a0soldier.\t \u00a0\\\"Tell\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0better\t \u00a0kill\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0good\t \u00a0 with\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0shot.\t \u00a0Because\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0tearing\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0pieces,\t \u00a0 goddamn\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0father!\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0soldier's\t \u00a0grin\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0faltered\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0translation.\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0clicked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0safety\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0gun.\t \u00a0Pointed\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0barrel\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0chest.\t \u00a0Heart\t \u00a0 pounding\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0throat,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0buried\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0face\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0roared.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 It's\t \u00a0done,\t \u00a0then.\t \u00a0I'm\t \u00a0eighteen\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0alone.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0no\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0left\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0world.\t \u00a0 Baba's\t \u00a0dead\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0now\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0bury\t \u00a0him.\t \u00a0Where\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0bury\t \u00a0him?\t \u00a0Where\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0go\t \u00a0 after\t \u00a0that?\t \u00a0But\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0whirlwind\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0half\t \u00a0thoughts\t \u00a0spinning\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0head\t \u00a0came\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0halt\t \u00a0 when\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0cracked\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eyelids,\t \u00a0found\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0still\t \u00a0standing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0 officer\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0others.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0muzzle\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0upturned\t \u00a0gun\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0smoke\t \u00a0 swirled.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0soldier\t \u00a0who\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0meant\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shoot\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0already\t \u00a0holstered\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0 weapon.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0shuffling\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0feet.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0never\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0more\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0crying\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0laughing\t \u00a0 at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0same\t \u00a0time.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0second\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0officer,\t \u00a0gray-\u00ad\u2010haired\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0heavyset,\t \u00a0spoke\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 broken\t \u00a0Farsi.\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0apologized\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0comrade's\t \u00a0behavior.\t \u00a0\\\"Russia\t \u00a0sends\t \u00a0them\t \u00a0here\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0fight,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0\\\"But\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0are\t \u00a0just\t \u00a0boys,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0come\t \u00a0here,\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0find\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 pleasure\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0drug.\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0younger\t \u00a0officer\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0rueful\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0father\t \u00a0","exasperated\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0misbehaving\t \u00a0son.\t \u00a0\\\"This\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0attached\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0drug\t \u00a0now.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0try\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 stop\t \u00a0him...\\\"\t \u00a0He\t \u00a0waved\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0off.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Moments\t \u00a0later,\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0pulling\t \u00a0away.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0heard\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0laugh\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0then\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0 soldier's\t \u00a0voice,\t \u00a0slurry\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0off-\u00ad\u2010key,\t \u00a0singing\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0old\t \u00a0wedding\t \u00a0song.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 WE\t \u00a0RODE\t \u00a0IN\t \u00a0SILENCE\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0fifteen\t \u00a0minutes\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0woman's\t \u00a0 husband\t \u00a0suddenly\t \u00a0stood\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0I'd\t \u00a0seen\t \u00a0many\t \u00a0others\t \u00a0do\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0him:\t \u00a0 He\t \u00a0kissed\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hand.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 TOOR'S\t \u00a0BAD\t \u00a0LUCK.\t \u00a0Hadn't\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0overheard\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0snippet\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0conversation\t \u00a0back\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0 Mahipar?\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0Jalalabad\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0an\t \u00a0hour\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0sunrise.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0ushered\t \u00a0 us\t \u00a0quickly\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0house\t \u00a0at\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0intersection\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0dirt\t \u00a0 roads\t \u00a0lined\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0flat\t \u00a0one-\u00ad\u2010story\t \u00a0homes,\t \u00a0acacia\t \u00a0trees,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0closed\t \u00a0shops.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 collar\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0coat\t \u00a0against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0chill\t \u00a0as\t \u00a0we\t \u00a0hurried\t \u00a0into\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0house,\t \u00a0dragging\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0 belongings.\t \u00a0For\t \u00a0some\t \u00a0reason,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0remember\t \u00a0smelling\t \u00a0radishes.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Once\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0inside\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dimly\t \u00a0lit,\t \u00a0bare\t \u00a0living\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0locked\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 front\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0pulled\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0tattered\t \u00a0sheets\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0passed\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0curtains.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0took\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 deep\t \u00a0breath\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0gave\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bad\t \u00a0news:\t \u00a0His\t \u00a0brother\t \u00a0Toor\t \u00a0couldn't\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 Peshawar.\t \u00a0It\t \u00a0seemed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0truck's\t \u00a0engine\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0blown\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0Toor\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0 still\t \u00a0waiting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0parts.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Last\t \u00a0week?\\\"\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0exclaimed.\t \u00a0\\\"If\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0knew\t \u00a0this,\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0did\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0bring\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0 here?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 I\t \u00a0caught\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0flurry\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0movement\t \u00a0out\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0eye.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0blur\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0 something\t \u00a0zipping\t \u00a0across\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0thing\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0slammed\t \u00a0 against\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0wall,\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0sandaled\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0dangling\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0feet\t \u00a0above\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor.\t \u00a0Wrapped\t \u00a0 around\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0neck\t \u00a0were\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0hands.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0","\u00a0 \\\"I'll\t \u00a0tell\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0why,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0snapped.\t \u00a0\\\"Because\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0got\t \u00a0paid\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0leg\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 trip.\t \u00a0That's\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0cared\t \u00a0about.\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0making\t \u00a0guttural\t \u00a0choking\t \u00a0sounds.\t \u00a0 Spittle\t \u00a0dripped\t \u00a0from\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0corner\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0mouth.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Put\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0down,\t \u00a0Agha,\t \u00a0you're\t \u00a0killing\t \u00a0him,\\\"\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0passengers\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"It's\t \u00a0what\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0intend\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0do,\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said.\t \u00a0What\t \u00a0none\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0others\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0 knew\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0joking.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0turning\t \u00a0red\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0kicking\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0legs.\t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0kept\t \u00a0choking\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0until\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0young\t \u00a0mother,\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0one\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0Russian\t \u00a0officer\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0 fancied,\t \u00a0begged\t \u00a0him\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0stop.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Karim\t \u00a0collapsed\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0floor\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0rolled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0fighting\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0air\t \u00a0when\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0 finally\t \u00a0let\t \u00a0go.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0room\t \u00a0fell\t \u00a0silent.\t \u00a0Less\t \u00a0than\t \u00a0two\t \u00a0hours\t \u00a0ago,\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0had\t \u00a0volunteered\t \u00a0 to\t \u00a0take\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0bullet\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0honor\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0woman\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0even\t \u00a0know.\t \u00a0Now\t \u00a0he'd\t \u00a0almost\t \u00a0 choked\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0man\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0death,\t \u00a0would\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0done\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0cheerfully\t \u00a0if\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0pleas\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 same\t \u00a0woman.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Something\t \u00a0thumped\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0door.\t \u00a0No,\t \u00a0not\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0door,\t \u00a0below.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What's\t \u00a0that?\\\"\t \u00a0someone\t \u00a0asked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"The\t \u00a0others,\\\"\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0panted\t \u00a0between\t \u00a0labored\t \u00a0breaths.\t \u00a0\\\"In\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0basement.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0they\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0waiting?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0said,\t \u00a0standing\t \u00a0over\t \u00a0Karim.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"Two\t \u00a0weeks.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"I\t \u00a0thought\t \u00a0you\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0truck\t \u00a0broke\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0last\t \u00a0week.\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Karim\t \u00a0rubbed\t \u00a0his\t \u00a0throat.\t \u00a0\\\"It\t \u00a0might\t \u00a0have\t \u00a0been\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0before,\\\"\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0 croaked.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0long?\\\"\t \u00a0","\u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"What?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \\\"How\t \u00a0long\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0parts?\\\"\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0roared.\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0flinched\t \u00a0but\t \u00a0said\t \u00a0nothing.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 was\t \u00a0glad\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0darkness.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0didn't\t \u00a0want\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0see\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0murderous\t \u00a0look\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0 face.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 THE\t \u00a0STENCH\t \u00a0OF\t \u00a0SOMETHING\t \u00a0DANK,\t \u00a0like\t \u00a0mildew,\t \u00a0bludgeoned\t \u00a0my\t \u00a0nostrils\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 moment\t \u00a0Karim\t \u00a0opened\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0door\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0led\t \u00a0down\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0creaky\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0basement.\t \u00a0 We\t \u00a0descended\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0single\t \u00a0file.\t \u00a0The\t \u00a0steps\t \u00a0groaned\t \u00a0under\t \u00a0Baba's\t \u00a0weight.\t \u00a0Standing\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0 the\t \u00a0cold\t \u00a0basement,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0felt\t \u00a0watched\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0eyes\t \u00a0blinking\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark.\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0saw\t \u00a0shapes\t \u00a0 huddled\t \u00a0around\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0room,\t \u00a0their\t \u00a0silhouettes\t \u00a0thrown\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dim\t \u00a0light\t \u00a0 of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0pair\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0kerosene\t \u00a0lamps.\t \u00a0A\t \u00a0low\t \u00a0murmur\t \u00a0buzzed\t \u00a0through\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0basement,\t \u00a0 beneath\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0sound\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0water\t \u00a0drops\t \u00a0trickling\t \u00a0somewhere,\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0something\t \u00a0else,\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0 scratching\t \u00a0sound.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Baba\t \u00a0sighed\t \u00a0behind\t \u00a0me\t \u00a0and\t \u00a0dropped\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0bags.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 Karim\t \u00a0told\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0it\t \u00a0should\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0matter\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0a\t \u00a0couple\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0short\t \u00a0days\t \u00a0before\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0 truck\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0fixed.\t \u00a0Then\t \u00a0we'd\t \u00a0be\t \u00a0on\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0way\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0Peshawar.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0freedom.\t \u00a0On\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0 safety.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 The\t \u00a0basement\t \u00a0was\t \u00a0our\t \u00a0home\t \u00a0for\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0next\t \u00a0week\t \u00a0and,\t \u00a0by\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0third\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0 discovered\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0source\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0scratching\t \u00a0sounds.\t \u00a0Rats.\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 \t \u00a0 ONCE\t \u00a0MY\t \u00a0EYES\t \u00a0ADJUSTED\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0dark,\t \u00a0I\t \u00a0counted\t \u00a0about\t \u00a0thirty\t \u00a0refugees\t \u00a0in\t \u00a0that\t \u00a0 basement.\t \u00a0We\t \u00a0sat\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0shoulder\t \u00a0along\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0walls,\t \u00a0ate\t \u00a0crackers,\t \u00a0bread\t \u00a0with\t \u00a0 dates,\t \u00a0apples.\t \u00a0That\t \u00a0first\t \u00a0night,\t \u00a0all\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0men\t \u00a0prayed\t \u00a0together.\t \u00a0One\t \u00a0of\t \u00a0the\t \u00a0refugees\t \u00a0 asked\t \u00a0Baba\t \u00a0why\t \u00a0he\t \u00a0wasn't\t \u00a0joining\t \u00a0them.\t \u00a0\\\"God\t \u00a0is\t \u00a0going\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0save\t \u00a0us\t \u00a0all.\t \u00a0Why\t \u00a0don't\t \u00a0 you\t \u00a0pray\t \u00a0to\t \u00a0him?\\\"\t \u00a0 \t \u00a0"]