Yasmin and Aisha waited patiently for their parents to sort themselves out. Finally, everyone was in view of everyone else and their parents were peppering them with questions. Aisha and Yasmin took turns speaking, reassuring their parents that they were doing great, that school was fine, that the law office was busy but good, that the grand-cats were healthy and well-fed.

After twenty minutes, Yasmin told her parents that she had to get back home to her studies. Her parents kept her on for another five minutes as she described her class in detail, patiently explaining what she was studying for. One thing that she absolutely adored about her parents was their unwavering support. When she’d announced that her degree would be in archaeology, rather than lamenting that her degree was useless, or a waste of time, or trying to get her to change her mind, they’d excitedly researched everything they could about her intended degree and the classes she would need to take. They’d always been the picture of perfect support in her life and she didn’t know what she would do without them.

Finally, they let her go, wishing her luck on her exam and extracting a promise that she would request time off from work for a visit home soon. Aisha assured them she would also take time off and accompany Yasmin home.

Content, the family said their I-love-yous and hung up.

Aisha and Yasmin met each other’s eyes and burst into a fit of giggles.

“I love our parents, but it’s the same every time,” Aisha said, pushing out of her seat. “They have to know every detail of our lives. I’m surprised they didn’t ask if our periods are regular and if we need a care package with extra tampons.”

Yasmin laughed and stood with her sister. “They just worry, that’s all.”

“I know,” Aisha agreed. “It’s a bit terrifying. That’s why I don’t date. Can you imagine some guy going through the gauntlet of our parents and surviving intact?”

An image of Volkan jumped into Yasmin’s head as she nodded vaguely at her sister. She could see him handling her parents as easily as he handled everyone else, but would they be charmed by him or offended? Somehow, she knew she didn’t want to find out. Another red flag. She was worried about introducing the guy she was dating to her family. Maybe once she got to know him better, she’d feel more secure in making an introduction. For now, she would keep him to herself and see where things went.

The two women made their way to the cash register where Aisha pulled out her wallet to pay their bill. She always paid and Yasmin didn’t argue. Aisha had a lawyer’s salary, whereas Yasmin had to cover university, food, and housing on the meagre part-time income she collected at the hotel.