He races his bicycle down the block away from the scene of his triumph, zigzagging now as a delirious jubilant laughter bubbles through him. He wants to whoop, to let go of the handlebar and pummel the sky. He turns back to Jemaal who’s also huffing with laughter, even as he’s calling out to Arshad to stop.

Arshad has only one regret: that he didn’t think to call out the takbir—Allahu Akbar!—as the rocks soared from his hands. The next time, he promises himself, the next time!

24

In San Francisco, Tahera wakes looking forward to a day spent with her mother. She now claims the dinner for Fiaz and Leigh as a gift Allah has bestowed on her, one of her last opportunities to cook a feast with Ammi.

She’s grateful for it. She won’t let her knowledge about Fiaz distract her; his conduct is a matter between him and his Maker. Who is she to judge, besides, whose is the graver lapse? She’s ashamed now of the jealousy that had consumed her when she’d thought that he and Seema were a couple, destined for an open-armed welcome from their parents. Fiaz has been a support to Seema—she must have met him during her wayward days, which she must have renounced before her marriage to Bill—and Fiaz has brought joy to Ammi. What more can Tahera ask from a relative stranger? Judgment is up to Allah.

Last night’s conversation with Ammi had been different from all the others since her arrival. Perhaps the music allowed Ammi to return to some earlier, less burdened time. Ammi didn’t try to bring the conversation around to Seema, like in the recent past, but instead persisted gently in learning what was bothering Tahera. She could finally let her guard down, about the events back home and her concerns for her children’s safety.

Ammi listened, without the derision Abba and Seema might show for what Abba has often labeled the results of her “Allah business.” Her mother gave a look of understanding that Tahera had recognized and reciprocated: Look at what we’ve been forced to accept, what changes the world has wrought in us.

Tahera holds on to that look, for the hope it brings her: to give and seek solace from each other, as many times as is still possible. The efforts of the day, and the trip, will be worth that reward.

The day has already brought a few annoyances, but she’s determined not to let them bother her. Her period has been heavier than usual, and she’s had to change pads a couple of times already. Also, on her call with Irvine, Arshad seems sick, but hopefully not enough to be worried about.

She’d like to start on the cooking, but her mother first insists she check on Seema.

Seema has been experiencing a few contractions. The two sisters sit side by side on the bed, knees up, backs against the headboard. Tahera is glad for this moment of respite, before embarking on the long session that dinner will entail, for her heavier bleeding portends increasing nausea and headache throughout the day.