Soon, he would become an adult. And when he did, there would be not going back because adulthood was akin to what his father had once said about being a war hero: one you became one, you died one.

If my book generates any sort of dialogue among Afghans, then I think it will have done a service to the community.

The Chinese say it's better to be deprived of food for three days than tea for one.

A stubborn ass needs a stubborn driver

What good is regret? It brings back nothing. What we have lost is irretrievable.

So, then. You want a story and I will tell you one.

Perhaps this is just punishment for those who have been heartless, to understand only when nothing can be undone.