I had it exactly backward, and it took a burst appendix and an envelope of dessert money to show me, and I will spend the rest of my life grateful that the showing did not come one day later than it did.

Chapter 8 — Six Oranges

As the orderlies began to wheel my gurney toward the doors, the elevator opened.

My mother stepped out, and Reem, and Kiran.

Salma was carrying a small bag of oranges.

Reem had a designer handbag on her arm.