She laid down the divorce petition first, on top, because she genuinely expected to need it.

That she also laid down the second document, the map back, was an act of hope she had every reason not to extend and extended anyway.

I will never stop being grateful that when she finally, after seven years, drew the line and dared me to cross to her side of it, some part of me that had been dying for a long time found the strength to pick up the pen.

Chapter 17 — The Thermos

The next morning my mother came in carrying a thermos of broth and a warm smile, Kiran and Reem trailing behind her, all of them wearing concern like borrowed coats.

Amina threw the bank statements onto the table.