Though there had been moments of beauty in it, Mariam knew that life for most part has been unkind to her. But as she walked the final twenty paces, she could not help but wish for more of it.

She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, 'why?,' and she said, 'Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you.

My father and I did work for a while at the flea market and there really are rows of Afghans working there, some of whom I am related to.

Yes, hope is a strange thing. Peace at last. But at what price?

All my life, she gave to me a shovel and said, Fill these holes inside of me, Pari.

But the game involves only male names. Because, if it's a girl, Laila has already named her

Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows that’s all she can do. That and hope.