Author's Note: In the last chapter, Saria found herself the subject of harsh punishment after an accident that caused some trouble in the home of a family her parents were trying desperately to impress. Now, a few days have passed, and we find that tensions are still high for the Ahmeds.

Thank you to everyone who has read this so far. I really appreciate those who take the time to look at my story. Again, please note that I do not condone Saria's thoughts, behaviors, or actions, this is simply a piece of fiction.

I do not own the characters, plots, events and place names from The Kite Runner. With that said, I do own any such OCs and plot points/events that do not take place within the original novel.

With that said, please enjoy the next chapter!

Thank you again.


Tanya snatched my plate from me, giving me her trademark glare as she did so. There was still some half-eaten toast, with my bite marks upon it, resting upon the plate. She rolled her eyes — why, I had no idea, it was her own fault I didn't get the chance to finish eating — and walked over to the bin. Bending down to open it, she threw the food in there, before taking the plate to the sink and tossing it in there, with such force it almost cracked. I raised my hands in protest, not wanting to let this injustice go without saying a word in my own defense.

"I wasn't finished," I said. They were words of protest, yes, but measured with polite obedience. Though I wanted to shout how unfair she was being, how utterly disrespectful it was for her to take food from me, I knew that I would need to hold my tongue to some degree. In Tanya's eyes, there was a thin, thin line between rudeness and speaking my mind. Due to the trouble I had gotten into last week, and the disdain both of my parent still held for me, I knew I would have to be extra careful with how I went about things. Especially when it came to speaking up for myself.

But, judging by the glare Mahmood was now giving me, it seemed that I had already spoken out of turn. He walked around to the kitchen table where I sat, bent down, and placed a hand upon my shoulder. Taking hold of my chin, he turned me to face him and made me look in his eyes. There was a stern, fierce fire burning in his gaze. "Watch your tongue, Saria Adelah," he warned, "your mother deserves your respect and obedience, and I will not tolerate you speaking to her with any less than the humility she expects from you."

Ah, so apparently I wasn't allowed to speak up for myself? Even in the smallest of ways? I had to kowtow to my parents wishes, shut up and allow them to speak to or treat me in any way that they wished? How was this in any way fair? Why, just because they were the adults and I were the child? Just because I had done something, accidentally, mind you, that had upset some people my father was so desperate to impress? This was, apparently, how fairness and justice were meted out by the Ahmed family. Still, I knew that I would need to toe the line, in order to prevent another meeting with Mahmood's belt.

I cast my gaze downwards, the image of demure, apologetic innocence. "I understand, agha. Forgive me, I did not mean to speak out of turn." I glanced at my mother, giving her my sorriest look. "I apologize, khanom. Truly." I referred to my parents as "sir" and "ma'am", in the way that I was supposed to do when I was in disgrace. Being in trouble, even the tiniest bit of it, meant that I had to behave almost like a servant in my own home. Unlike what you may think, unlike how I know it is for other families, forgiveness was not granted simply because I'd been punished with the belt. No, for me, forgiveness would be earned through general debasement of myself and a loss of dignity.

Still, Mahmood and Tanya seemed to be receptive of my apology. Mahmood released his grip on my chin, and stepped away. Tanya, who had been glaring at me the entire time, gave me a curt nod, unfolding her arms, her countenance becoming a little softer. This was, I knew, the Tanya Ahmed way of saying that she forgave me for the awful crime of daring to speak up for myself against her own unfair treatment. All the same, if apologizing would diffuse the tension, then what choice did I have?

Everything had been so tense since last week. I'd have to been on my best behavior at every moment of every day. Even dressing in my most formal clothes; today's outfit of choice was a red pinafore, with my hair brushed until it shone and tied into two plaits with ribbons on the end. The utter epitome of the perfect child. I had to be extra perfect, and, considering I'd just incurred my parent's wrath, no matter how small, I'd have to really act as good as gold today. And, given the next words that Mahmood spoke, I knew I'd have my work cut out for me.

He stood to his fullest height, and looked down at me with the sternest glare he could muster. "Now, Saria, your mother and I are going out for the day. We will be back this evening, and then, the Kalahari family are coming to visit." Oh. My eyes flickered with surprise at that announcement. Mahmood took notice of this. "Yes. Despite your disgraceful behavior last week, Javid and Faraya have graciously agreed to bring their family to our home tonight. When they arrive, you will present yourself to them and read your apology letter in front of them, and us, your family."

Ah, yes, that apology letter. I'd gotten right the work on that the day after the 'incident', not wanting to waste even the slightest second. Procrastination was not a word in my vocabulary, and besides, if I were to have delayed, then this would only serve to give Mahmood and Tanya ammunition with which to punish me further. Said letter had taken upwards of four or so days to write, and I'd gone through about two redrafts to ensure it was absolutely perfect before presenting it to Mahmood.

"You should be thankful that I approved of your apology, Saria Adelah," he said. "And I don't think it needs to be said that I expect you to be on your absolute best behavior. You will treat the Kalahari family with the respect that they deserve, and you will be humble and contrite in your apology. If you put one foot out of line, if you so much as think about saying or doing anything that is in any way, shape, or form, disrespectful, then you can guarantee that you can say goodbye to sitting properly for a week. Do you understand, young lady?"

My temper was starting to rise, hating the fact that I was being spoken down to like some insolent toddler. Hating the fact that impressing the Kalahari family was more important than forgiving me for a "mistake". But I had no choice but to submit to my father's whims. I nodded. "I understand, Papa," I said, "I will show the Kalahari's the respect and honor that they, as our guests, deserve. Be assured, you won't have anything to worry about."

I meant that, actually. I really would try to behave myself tonight, though not for Mahmood or Tanya's sake, but for mine. To save my own skin — quite literally. And maybe, if I played my cards right, I could get off the hook and go back to being their "little girl" once more. Go back to having their favor, which would make my life a hell of a lot easier. Mahmood, satisfied with my answer, gave me the closest thing to a smile that he could manage. "Good girl, your obedience is appreciated."

Tanya then decided to speak her piece. "You brought us shame last week, Saria, but I am confident that you will make this right with the Kalahari family, and with us. Now, while we are out, I expect you to complete the morning wash-up." At this, we both shared a glance towards the sink, where the mountain of dishes were piling up. Tanya then directed her attention to Assef, who had been seated at the table, silently saying nothing this whole time. Not wanting to getting involved — the wisest decision, if you ask me. "And, Assef, son, your father and I expressly forbid you from helping your sister this morning. We know you're more than likely eager to help in any way you can, and while we do commend your familial loyalty and the love you share with Saria, it is her duty to make penance for her mistakes. And be warned that if either of you try to foist these chores off on Hamilra, we will find out about it, and you will both suffer the consequences. Am I clear on this?"

Assef only nodded, picking a grape up from the fruit bowl and popping it into his mouth. As I've said, he hadn't said a word this morning. Though, he gave me a look across the table, and as our eyes met, I could read his mind as well as I could read my own. And I knew that, no matter what our piece of shit mother said, no matter what our abusive father said, he would help me out in any way that I needed.

Mahmood wrapped his arm around Tanya's shoulder. "Come along, my darling," he said softly, "let us go about our business. Our children know to adhere to our rules, and I am confident that tonight shall go off without a hitch." With this parting word, he lead Tanya from the room. I listened as their footsteps faded down the hall, then, one of them unlatched the lock on the door, and it shut with a click behind them. The moment we heard the car reverse from the driveway, Assef got up from his seat and made his way over to me.

"I commend you for holding your tongue back there, Liebchen," he whispered, drawing me in for a hug and tenderly placing a kiss atop my head. "Believe you me, I wanted to wipe those smirks from both their faces. Pieces of shit, the pair of them. Well, come on." He extend a hand to me, smiling in that loving way that made me cherish him so much. "Let's get this wash-up over and done with, shall we?"

I arched a brow, hopping down from the table and making my way to the sink. "You'll get in trouble if you help me, brother. You heard what Tanya said."

Assef laughed, ruffling my hair as I passed him. "Ah, I must have missed the part where that bitch turned into a mind-reader and could tell whether I helped you or not," he said, giving me a teasing wink. "Besides, do you think I give a flying fuck what Tanya or Mahmood say? You know I'm going to help you, no matter what." Then, perhaps reading my mind once more, he added, "oh, and don't worry about Hamilra catching us. She's cleaning outside, and if by any chance, she does come in, then I'll make quick work of ensuring she knows not to breathe a word to anyone."

He would, too. Assef had no qualms about becoming physically violent towards Hamilra in order to get what he wanted from her. I'd seen her cowed and terrified, under the mere threat of his wrath. Besides, the servant's role was to obey her master, was it not? All my brother would need to do was order Hamilra to keep her mouth shut, and she would. After all, while Mahmood and Tanya may have paid her wage, Assef dangled the threat of punishment above her, and that, I knew, was the surest way to gain submission.

"Very well, big brother," I said, as we walked to the sink. "I do truly appreciate the help you offer to me. I suppose we ought to get started on our task."

Turning on the tap, I picked up a sponge and began to clean up the dishes. Assef stood to my side, waiting to dry the now-cleaned dishes and cutlery when I was done with them. Whenever I would be done with them. This was taking such a long, long time. Groaning, I turned to my brother and held up a filth-covered plate. "Stuck on grease. How long has this been here, for crying out loud?"

Assef took the plate from me, inspected it, and then, with a look of disgust on his face, dropped the plate back into the sink. "Looks like it's been there since last night, Liebchen," he said. "Which, of course, begs the question as to why Hamilra didn't clean it when she was supposed to." He looked at the other plates. "Come to think of it, half of this crap looks like it should have been cleaned last night."

I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth. "Oh, how much do you want to bet that Mahmood and Tanya gave her the night off just to give me more work to do?"

"What need is there for a bet, sister?" Assef asked, while I continued to scrub and scrub. I could sense the disdain he had, not only for our parents, but also for Hamilra, in his voice. "That's exactly the kind of petty crap they'd pull, and you know it." I handed him a plate, and he made quick work of drying it and putting it back in the cupboard. "I mean, Hamilra's not the one in disgrace, is she?" At this, he gave me a sympathetic look and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Either way, Assef, Hamilra must be so delighted to have some time off," I said, turning to face him. Assef and I shared a look, and in his eyes, reflected in my own, I saw the hatred we both shared, not merely for our pathetic, worthless servant, but also for every single person — if you could call them such — of the Hazara race. Having had enough of allowing Hamilra's name to pass through my lips, I changed the subject. "Tell me, brother, do you think Mahmood and Tanya will forgive me after tonight?"

It was a genuine question, and Assef, of course, gave me his genuine yet honest answer. "If they were decent people, then I'd tell you not to worry about it, Liebchen," he said. "But... these are Mahmood and Tanya we're talking about. You and I both know how much they love to hold a grudge. I'd say that their forgiveness will hinge on the forgiveness of the Kalahari's. If you can convince them to accept your apology, then Mahmood and Tanya will accept it, too. Probably. So just... hope that your apology letter is enough."

"Mahmood did approve of it," I told my brother, clicking my tongue. "I was afraid that he wouldn't. Afraid that he mightn't think I was putting enough effort into it, and then... give me the belt again." Oh, how I wish I lived in a home where such statements didn't need to be voiced. I wish I could be one of those people for whom the mere idea of their father beating them, either for a simple mistake, or a badly written apology for said mistake, was a fathomless concept. But I didn't live in that kind of family. That was not the home life that I'd been raised to expect. "It's probably the most sickening piece of self-debasement I've ever written."

Assef was sympathetic to my plight. By now, we'd just about finished the wash-up, and were clearing away the last remnants. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "You know, Saria, if it were down to me, there is no way you would have to grovel because of a broken vase. I don't care what dead relative of Faraya's made it. It wasn't your fault that you tripped, it was theirs for not warning us there was an issue with the floor. Any one of us could have tripped. Hell, I could have tripped. Adia could have tripped. Would Javid and Faraya have beaten her for that, I wonder?"

"Ah, Adia... that little innocent." I leaned into my brother's embrace, closing my eyes as he absently played with a the ends of my pigtails. "You know... despite all that happened between us, despite how our first meeting went down, I think... I think I'd like to be friends with her. Mahmood and Tanya would be delighted with me, and besides, Adia jan seems like the perfect friend, does she not?"

Assef chuckled at that. "Yes, Saria, the perfect friend. You're learning quickly, my sister, aren't you?" There was a strong sense of pride in his voice, and it warmed my heart to hear it. My brother kissed my head one final time and then stepped away, keeping his gaze on me. "And, now, speaking of friends," his lips curled into a smirk, "I've invited Wali and Kamal to come round for an hour or two later today. We'll probably be out back, so you can come spend some time with us. Maybe get your mind off of tonight."

My lips twitched. That would, I knew, be easier said than done. With the daunting task that laid out for me, I figured that it'd be difficult to truly clear it from my mind. Still, I was grateful for my brother's attempts to cheer me up. And I was happy to know that Wali and Kamal were coming. I liked them; their loyalty to my brother was admirable. They'd been by his side, supporting his schemes and obeying his law since they were children, ever since I was but an infant. Plus, they liked me, too. So this was a good thing, in my book.

"Good," I said. "Well, if that's the case, I should go upstairs and wash up. I'll be down in a minute, Assef."

Assef nodded. With that, I turned on my heel and began my way up the stairs. There was a slight spring in my step now, I honestly looked forward to meeting Wali and Kamal again. I made it to my room, opened the door, and stepped inside. My room was cleaned to pristine perfection. As a very tidy and organized person, I liked to keep everything spotless. Everything had its place. Everything had its purpose.

I walked to my vanity desk, looking down at the folded piece of paper that rested upon it. There it was, the apology letter. The letter that had taken me so very long to write, the letter that I'd worked on for hours, days on end. The letter that I had stressed about from the moment Mahmood ordered me to write it. It was written in my best penmanship; the greatest scribe could not have done a better job. Then again, the greatest scribe would more than likely not have been aching every time they sat down due to a violent beating they'd received the night before.

But... I must say, had I refused to write that letter, then I would have faced the dreaded punishment that was my mother's hairbrush. And that, take it from me, was one of the worst punishments that one could ever, ever face, especially due to the expert way that Tanya wielded that demonic instrument. I remember one of the worst acts of discipline that she enacted upon me with that thing:

A seven-year-old Saria, startled by the barking of the neighbor's dog, had darted out into the road, fearing that I might end up bitten. Tanya had quickly caught up to me, dragging me back into the house, screaming to high heaven about how dangerous my actions were, and, more importantly, how the other neighbor's might have heard my crying and screaming. Because, as we all know, a child being upset is unheard of. Either way, that was the week I ended up facing nightly hairbrush spankings. Hell on Earth, I tell you. After that, I vowed to do everything in my power to ensure I didn't end up facing that implement again.

I sat at my vanity, pushing the letter to one side as I picked up a hairbrush and began running it over my fringe, and the ends of my plaits. I was the perfect, perfect image of beautiful, pure innocence. An image that I knew I would have to uphold to the very, very best of my ability tonight. If I failed, then I could only imagine the sheer agony Mahmood would beat into me.

Faraya and her pathetic family better be eternally grateful to me for this letter, I thought, glaring at the offending piece of paper. After all that I have been through because of them, forgiveness for what was an accident is the least they can offer to me. Even if I may not be able to ever truly offer them my forgiveness.

As I waxed poetic over these ruminations, I was interrupted by the sound of knocking on the door. It was slow at first, and then became more rapid. Recognizing the knock — as one I'd heard many, many times of the course of my short life, I grinned with excitement and got up from my seat. I left my room and began making my way down the stairs, to open the door and greet our guests.

I was about half-way down the stairs when Assef appeared from the corridor. He saw me standing there and inclined his head towards the door. "I'll get that, Saria," he said, "It's probably Wali and Kamal."

"Either that or the Kalahari's are come early," I teased, stopping my descent as my brother crossed the hall and reached the door.

"If that's the case, then I'll tell them to fuck off and slam the door right in their faces, Liebchen."

I laughed, knowing that this was exactly the kind of thing he would do. Part of me did want to see that happen, I could only just imagine the looks on their faces as my brother verbally degraded them and then slammed the door shut, barring them entry into this, our home. Alas, he and I both knew that it wasn't the Kalahari family at the door. At least, not yet. Assef opened the door, and there stood Wali and Kamal.

And oh, how excited I was to see them both. As I've said, I always liked Assef's friends. He chose his companions very carefully. Many had, in his life, attempted to befriend him, perhaps out of fear, perhaps hoping that, as his friend, they would be spared from his legendary wrath. Which was a stupid thought; I was the only one who could truly ever be spared from Assef's violent, temperamental anger. Still, Wali and Kamal had learned obedience quickly, and I liked them for that. Kamal, especially. If I were to pick a favorite from Assef's friends, it would be him.

"Hello, you two," Assef said, giving them both a nod. They nodded towards him, both in respect and in greeting.

"Hi, Assef," Wali replied. There was a slight hint of nervousness in his voice — something that I noticed he always had when speaking to my brother. Assef's mouth twitched, and he turned to look at me standing at the top of the stairs. He beckoned with his hand for me to come down. Broken from my reverie, I hurriedly made my way down the steps. I reached my brother's side and he wrapped an arm around me, while I beamed at his friends.

I spoke to Kamal first. "Hi, Kamal," I said, and smiled. And then, to the lesser of the two, though I would have preferred not to greet him. But polite society dictates that I do so, simply because I'd much rather not cause some unnecessary tension. At least... not today, of all days. "Hi, Wali." Wali didn't get a smile from me, though, merely a nod and a cursory glance.

Wali nodded in return, but didn't say anything. He wasn't a man of many words, though. Kamal, on the other hand, gave me a polite smile. "Hello, Saria, nice to see you again."

"Well," Assef began, "now that the greetings are out of the way, how's about the three of us go outside for a time?"

A good suggestion, if ever there was one. It was a frigid, yet overcast day, and one that would be perfect to spend a few hours outside for. It'd be good for me to have a little bit of time to relax, too, spend time with people who weren't going to judge me or expect me to be an emotionless, obedient little robot. There would be enough time for Robot Saria later this evening.

I took my brother's hand, smiling up at him as he lead me towards the back door. Wali and Kamal followed, a few steps behind us. They always walked slightly behind Assef, not so much that the untrained eye would be able to tell, but enough that someone like me, someone who knew my brother's mind, would be able to tell that he'd most likely put this thought in their heads from youth. Eventually, we got outside.

Our back-garden was yet another indication of how wealthy we were. There was a large, vast swimming pool — though it was empty right now due to it being cleaned for the winter. We had a large, open space with a volley-ball net; one of my favorite sports. And then... to the right, which is where we were headed, was a seating area, tables, and chairs, covered with a veranda. Assef and I lead the others towards the veranda. The moment we both sat down, my brother gestured for Wali and Kamal to sit, too.

"Would either of you like a drink?" Assef asked his friends.

Wali scratched the back of his head. "Uh, uhm, maybe just some water, Assef. Please," he said. Assef rolled his eyes, then turned to Kamal, who merely glanced towards Wali, then looked at my brother and nodded. I don't think he wanted to annoy Assef by asking for something other than water. Even though it wouldn't be my brother who went and fetched said drinks.

"Water for both of you, then?" Assef asked, and when they nodded, he turned to me. "What about you, Liebchen? Do you want some water, too? Or can I order you something else?"

I smirked. "Get me drunk, big brother," I said. "I'll take all of the wine in Mahmood's study." That may have sounded like a joke, and in many ways it sort of was, but on the other hand, I figured I might be able to quench both my thirsts and my nerves regarding my upcoming degradation tonight. Perhaps. I'd never actually drunk anything, of course, but I'd seen my parents have a glass or two, and it seemed to cast out their inhibitions and worries, did it not?

Kamal and Wali shared a glance at my comment. Probably wondering about the fact that a young girl would ask about getting drunk. Of course, they weren't aware of the situation behind my words; Assef hadn't breathed a word of the situation — he was secretive to them about family matters. So, the idea of me drinking was clearly odd to them, no matter how serious I may have been.

Assef rolled his eyes, playfully. "I'm pretty sure our parents would skin the both of us if I let you drink, Sar," he said, "so sorry, but no. Water for everyone, I guess." He leaned back in his seat, clicking his fingers to get the attention of Hamilra, who was sweeping up around one of the nearby tables. I'd barely even noticed her. But now, I glanced her way, a cursory look, the same way I might look at a cockroach scampering across the garden. Hamilra looked up, hearing my brother's incessant clicking. She put the brush and pan to one side, and hurriedly walked over to heed his commands.

"Yes, agha?" she asked, head bowed.

"We'll take four glasses of water," Assef said, not even looking Hamilra in the eye. She didn't deserve his gaze, anyway. "And get us something to snack on too. Maybe some of those caramelized candies my sister likes." He smiled at me, and I returned the gesture, touched by his kindness in that offer. My brother looked at Wali and Kamal, once more. "You two want anything else?"

They shook their heads. Assef shrugged. "Alright then. Hamilra, make it quick and don't forget anything."

Hamilra nodded. "Yes, agha." She then shifted from one foot to the other. It was clear that she wanted to say something, to ask another question, but she was too nervous around my brother to do so. She hovered there for a moment, being the pathetic piece of excrement that she was, until I had enough of her presence and decided to put an end to her standing there.

I drew myself up, raising my chin and sticking my nose into the air. "You may speak, Hamilra," I told her, imperiously, motioning for her to do so. Hamilra gave me a nervous smile, something that I certainly did not return.

Either way, Hamilra fumbled her way through an answer. "Thank you, khanom," she said, deferentially. She paused. "Uh, I was... I was merely going to ask if any of you wished for ice in your water?"

As you can imagine, that was a very stupid fucking question. What in the world did she expect, for us to sit here with lukewarm water? I was just about to reiterate how dumb that line of thinking was, but Assef got there before me. "Maybe you could fetch us a spare glass of water and a knife, and we can wait for that to freeze before cutting it up ourselves?" he snapped sarcastically.

Hamilra sputtered, but didn't say another word, which was probably for the best. She merely turned on her heel, turned around and bristled away. I rolled my eyes, muttering, "stupid bitch", behind her back. Assef laughed, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and giving me a mischievous look. There was such joy to be found in causing the fear and apprehension that reflected in Hamilra's eyes whenever she spoke to us. And it didn't take long before she returned, along with the glasses of water and those delicious candies that I so loved. She placed the items on the table in front of us, bowed, and walked away.

I picked up a candy and popped it into my mouth. Absolutely delicious, one of my favorite treats. I could eat bowls of these, but I figured it would be best if I paced myself. Didn't want to be too full for dinner, after all. I felt relaxed here, sat with my favorite person and his friends.

We spoke of anything and everything which, of course, was good. I did need a distraction, after all. The four of us spent our time together — a few hours, if I recall correctly — chatting, laughing and discussing other such topics. Assef usually lead the conversation, occasionally allowing the other two to chime in. From time to time, he'd reminisce about times spent tormenting the younger children of Kabul.

His stories always made me laugh, regardless of how cruel and dark the rest of the world may view them as. I could listen to my brother's words all day, could spend eternity listening to these tales that showcased his strength and power over others. But alas, much as I would have liked to spend my time with Assef and his friends, the hours were not on my side. As time went on, I became acutely aware that Mahmood and Tanya would be back soon, and with them, would come the upcoming humiliation of facing the Kalahari's again.

Assef seemed to read my mind on this, because, after some time had passed, he stood and gestured for Wali and Kamal to do the same. "You two need to get going," he said. "We have guests coming round this evening and we need to get ready for that." He paused, and then gestured towards the back door. "Go round the back way. I'll see you both some other time, alright?"

They both nodded. "Uh, yeah. Uhm... I suppose we'll see you around, Assef," Wali muttered. He then looked down at me, as though I were an afterthought. "And you too, Saria. Maybe we'll see you around too." Dear God, this was getting ridiculously awkward. I rolled my eyes. Whether or not Wali noticed, I don't know. Still, he gave me a nervous, twitchy smile. A smile that I knew was only for my brother's benefit and not for mine. "Have fun tonight, both of you."

I made a dismissive, clicking noise. Have fun tonight, seriously? Yeah, fat fucking chance of that happening. Assef rolled his eyes and muttered, "damn, what an idiot," to me, in German. It was clear from the look of hurt confusion on Wali's face that while he didn't understand what Assef was saying, he did comprehend that it was insulting, and demeaning towards him. My brother then gestured again towards the back gate. "Right, well, get going. You too, Kamal."

"Sure. Bye, Assef. Bye, Saria." Kamal smiled — a smile that was both genuine and nervous, a smile that I found my own lips twitching at. With those parting words, he and Wali turned on their heels and began to trek across the snow. My brother and I both watched them go. The moment that they opened the back gate, and stepped through, Assef faced me, and grinned.

"Sister, I know I said we needed to get ready, but... I think we have enough time to stay outside for a little while longer, don't you?" Oh, so that was the real reason that he'd told Wali and Kamal to leave. To give us both a moment of peace and privacy together, without annoying friends or parents to deal with. I followed my brother back to our seats, happy to have another blessed moment alone with him.

We chatted aimlessly for a time, about everything and nothing, as only those so blatantly, utterly, connected could. How I loved spending time with my brother, no matter what we were doing. Assef always had it in him to make me feel as though everything would be good and right with the world. Ah, but if only our time together could have lasted forever, and not be... interrupted... by a certain bitch named Tanya Ahmed.

The crunching of footsteps across the snow made me turn my head to see my mother stalking her way towards us. She had that same, perpetual scowl upon her face — whatever activities she and Mahmood had done today had clearly done nothing to improve her mood. Assef sighed, barely audible to anyone but me, and straightened up from where he was slouched in his chair. I did the same, tilting my head down deferentially.

Tanya stopped in front of us, hands on her hips. "A nice day to spend outside," she said. To the untrained ear, that was little more than a mother making conversation with her children. But I knew. I knew what she really meant: 'What do you think gives you the right to enjoy yourself when you are in disgrace?'. I continued to look down at the ground, moving the snow underneath with my toe. "I trust you got all your required work done, daughter?"

Daughter. I wasn't even worthy of having my name spoken. And the way she said it, too. As though what she really meant was "servant." I glanced up, concerned she may take offence if I didn't look her in the eye when speaking to her. "Yes, khanom," I replied. "I've completed all tasks that you have set out for me." Of course, I made no mention of the fact that Assef had helped me. I would not throw my brother under the bus like that.

Speaking of Assef, Tanya then turned her attention to my brother. Her countenance became softer, as she looked upon the child that was not a disappointment. "Was your sister well-behaved today, Assef?" she asked. Assef nodded, glancing from me to Tanya.

"She was utterly perfect, Mother, I have no complaints," he told her, in a tone that made it clear he wanted little to do with this conversation. Tanya tutted at this, and Assef shot her a 'you really think I'm going to snitch on my sister?' look. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it. Mahmood was not around to threaten us with the belt, you see, and I could tell that Tanya did not wish to broker any form of argument with my brother.

After this rather awkward pause, Tanya spoke again. "Right, well..." she began, glancing towards the house and then back to Assef and I. "Well, I merely came out here to tell you that the Kalahari's will be arriving soon, and that you need to get back into the house and get ready." She looked me up and down. "You at least didn't manage to get your clothing dirty, Saria, which is saying something."

I bristled at her remark. I prided myself on my neatness, only caring to dirty my clothing when it was absolutely necessary, and this bitch's insinuation that I had spent the day rolling around in the dirt-covered snow like some animal, was rather an insult to my sensibilities. Assef placed a hand over mine, rubbing it with his knuckles. This simple gesture was enough to calm me down, at least to some degree.

"Well, you'd best get washed up," Tanya said again. Without another word, Assef and I stood and began to make our way back to the house. Just before I reached the back door, Tanya caught up with us and took me by the arm. I whirled around, more than a little startled, and she gestured for Assef, who was standing there with a raised brow, to go back into the house. "I need a quick word with your sister, Assef. Go back inside the house, son."

Assef hesitated; I could tell he was wrestling with the choice to stay with me or not incur our mother's wrath. I motioned for him to go on, indicating that I would be fine. I was confident that Tanya wasn't about to do anything to really harm me right now; merely a few well-placed insults here and there. Either way, I didn't want my brother to get in trouble for 'sticking his oar in' as the bitch holding me would have put it. Assef nodded, and then walked the final few paces back into the house.

The moment he was out of sight, Tanya whirled me around to face her. She placed her hands on my shoulders, and bent down in the snow so that we were on a level, taking care to make sure that her winter overcoat didn't get dirty, of course. She looked me in the eyes, and her stare was piercing. "Now, Saria," she said, "your father tells me that your apology letter is completed upon your desk?" I nodded, and she continued to speak. "Good. Now, I expect you to be as formal and obedient as possible when you face the Kalahari's tonight. You will look them in the eye and speak with the utmost respect, do you understand?"

Well, seeing as you keep drilling these points into me like you're trying to teach a toddler to speak, yeah, I fucking get it.

I thought these things, but of course, my brain comprehended that saying them aloud would be a bad idea. Instead, I gave Tanya my brightest smile, and said, "Of course, khanom. The Kalahari's deserve nothing less than an appropriate and sincere apology from me, and that is what they shall get." I pulled away from her, and took a small step backwards. "Now, please excuse me, I wish to get ready before our guests arrived."

Not even waiting for her response, I turned on my heel and walked back into the house. I made my way up the stairs and into my room. Standing at my vanity desk, I looked into the mirror and tilted my head from one side to the left, before straightening up and adjusting the ribbons on either side of my head. I picked up a hairbrush and gently brushed the ends of my plaits. Once that was done, I did a quick wash up in the bathroom. Then, after making a quick pit-stop back to my room to grab the apology letter, I walked downstairs and into the living room.

Assef, Mahmood and Tanya were already there, seated on the couch. Tanya gave me a look, up and down, before nodding. I ignored her, and sat down on the sofa, beside Assef, as far away from my parents as was possible. None of us said a word; there were no words to be said. All that was needed now was for us to wait. So, wait we did. One minute, two minute, three minutes... all passing by more slowly than the other.

Finally, after what was about twenty or so minutes, give or take, there came a knocking upon the front door. Mahmood and Tanya stood, motioning for my brother to do the same. "Stay there," he said, "we shall answer that." He then pointed his finger directly at me, his face contorted in a stern look. "Behave." With that, he and Tanya walked to the door and opened it.

There, standing on the threshold, were the family that had been the source of such turmoil for me these past days. The Kalahari's. Javid and Faraya stood side by side. Javid had his hand on his wife's waist. Standing with them, were their children. Yes, children. Adia, that little brat who didn't do anything to defend me, and an older looking boy who must have been her brother, Masood.

It was Mahmood who spoke up first. "Salaam, Javid and Faraya jan," he said, "thank you so much for coming, your presence in our home is more than appreciated." He stepped back, allowing them entrance. "Please, please, come in. May we take your coats?"

Javid and Faraya, along with their children, stepped into our home, removing their coats and handing them to Tanya, who placed them in a small closet under the stairs. She gave a plastic smile and motioned towards the living room. "Right this way, please." She sounded like an air hostess directing passengers to their seats. The Kalahari's followed my parents. As they entered the room, I shared a quick glance at Assef before turning back to our guests.

"Ah," Javid said, upon seeing us. "Hello there, you two. It's nice to see you both again."

Assef stepped forward, shaking the other man's hand. "I hope you and your family have been keeping well, sir," he said, a shining example of a polite, perfect son. Faraya spoke her own greeting to my brother, her voice a little subdued. Then, the two turned their attention to me. The moment that they did, I felt a shiver run up my spine. I pleaded to any divine being that would listen for things to run smoothly.

"Hello, Saria," Faraya said. This surprised me. I... I honestly had not expected that she would even want to say a word to me, given the 'trauma' that I had put her through when last we met. That said, though, she wasn't smiling when she spoke, and her gaze was a little off, as though she didn't quite want to look at me. She did not put out her hand for me to shake, though, and so I, of course, did not do so either.

I merely bowed my knees in curtsy, glancing down at my feet for a moment before back up to this woman. "Good evening, Faraya khanom. Thank you for visiting us. My family and I are very happy to see you and yours again."

"Yes," Mahmood said, cutting across me before I could get another word in. "My daughter speaks truth, it is lovely to see you all again. Especially since the events of our last meeting." He then glanced at me, and I knew what the next words out of his mouth would be before he even spoke them. "And speaking of that dreadful evening, Saria here has written an apology letter for her actions. If you will be seated, please, she will read it now for your approval."

As the Kalahari's sat, so did the rest of my family. Now, I was the only one still standing. This made me feel incredibly awkward, like I'd been called into the principal's office for a scolding. Best to just get this over with, the sooner the better. I reached into the front pocket of my dress, and pulled out the folded up letter. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and thus began this dreadful humiliation. Grovelling mode; activate.

"Dear Kalahari's," I began, looking at them for a moment, before back to the letter, "I am writing this letter to apologize sincerely for my behavior during the dinner held at your home. You extended the greatest of courtesy towards me and I repaid that in a manner that can only be described as 'deplorable." Yes, because that was the best term to use when describing an accident, wasn't it? I continued, each word making me loathe these people more and more. "My parents have raised me to be dutiful, obedient and to always be mindful and respectful of the property of others, yet what I did does not reflect their teachings, nor the values that the Ahmed family strive to uphold."

That disgusting line was one that Mahmood had insisted I write there. Couldn't have anyone think that he and Tanya went around teaching their children to knock over priceless family heirlooms now, could we? I glanced towards him as I said it, and could see his chest swell slightly in approval. Cocky bastard. Looking down at the letter again, I consoled myself with the knowledge that things were running smoothly thus far and eventually it would all be over and done with.

"Truly, there can be no excuse for my actions. To call it a mistake seems to completely overlook the grievous harm and sorrow that I caused to your family, and especially to you, Faraya khanom. While I humbly admit that I was unaware of the deeper significance to the vase that I broke, and it's sentimental value to you, I am aware that even so, breaking another's property is highly disrespectful."

Every word became increasingly harder to read. How I yearned to crumple that piece of paper into the ground and tell these people just what I truly felt about them. To tell them that they were stupid, pathetic fools. To scold them for not saying a word in my defense, and allowing me to get into the trouble that I did. I glanced at Adia, for a split second, and our eyes met. She stared at me, then nervously glanced to where Assef was sitting, and then, finally, she looked back down at her lap.

There was only a little bit more of the letter for me to read. I steeled myself. I could do this. I could get through this. I'd come this far, and I would see this through to the end. I looked at Faraya now, this next part spoken directly to her. "Faraya khanom, I cannot begin to comprehend the level of pain that I have unwittingly wrought upon you, with the simple onslaught of my selfish actions. It brings me shame to think of, and I apologize, from the bottom of my heart. I ask, humbly, that you and your family may find it in yourself to forgive me, and that I may be given the chance to prove myself. I know that I can do better, and should you —"this next part directed to the rest of the family, too — "find it in yourselves to offer me a second chance, then I shall be eternally grateful.

Yours,

Saria Ahmed."

And there it was. Done. Finished. I folded up the letter once more, and placed it into my pocket again. For what felt like an eternity, there was silence. The Kalahari's stared at me, and I stared back at them. It was Faraya's face that interested me the most. She would be the one to decide my fate. If I could gain her forgiveness, then everything would be okay. I looked into her eyes, searching her every emotion. How I hoped that my letter resonated with her; that somehow, some way, it tugged on her heart strings.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Faraya stood up. She walked towards me. I, who had not been expecting this one bit, was a little startled. Planting my feet firmly into the ground, I kept my head down, as was expected of me. When she reached me, Faraya placed her hands on my shoulder. "Saria," she said. I still didn't move. Faraya tipped my chin up gently, looking me in the eyes. Forgiveness. That was all I saw in her gaze. Pure, beautiful forgiveness. I almost breathed an audible sigh of relief, but didn't. Faraya smiled softly.

"That was a beautiful letter, sweetheart," she said, "thank you. I... I know that you didn't mean to hurt anyone, and that what happened was just an accident. You are forgiven, Saria. Completely and utterly forgiven." She paused, then open her arms. "Now, why don't you come here and give your Khala Faraya a big hug? Hmm?"

There was nothing in the world that I wanted to do less, especially after she'd just called me 'sweetheart', but still, I wrapped my arms around Faraya's waist. She smelled of cinnamon and freshly baked bread. She was warm, and soft. I could feel the forgiveness coming off of her in waves. I'd won her over, I'd done it. I'd won them all over. Thank fuck. Finally, my embrace with Faraya ended, and we pulled back from one another. Then, it was time for the rest of the Kalahari's to offer their forgiveness.

First came Javid, with a handshake and a, "young lady, you have a beautiful way with words. Perhaps we're looking at a future University literature professor here?" I smiled, and thanked him, though really his words just passed right over my head. I wasn't interested in his compliments, whether they be real or not. He stepped away, and then, Masood approached.

Up close and personal, I could tell there was something off about him. He had bags under his eyes, and he looked as though he'd not seen a good night's rest in a long, long time. Did he still have the flu? Or was there something more... something deeper... that was wrong? And if he was still sick, then why, why, did his parents think that it was a good idea to bring him here?

"Well," he said, in a stilted tone, "I'm glad that this unpleasant business is over and done with. My name's Masood, by the way. It's very nice to meet you, Saria."

I echoed his statement in kind; pleasant falsehoods being the order of the day, it seemed. And then... then came the forgiveness that I needed the most. That of my mother and father. While Tanya smiled at me from the couch, nodding gently, the picture of the caring, loving mother who had accepted her little girl's mistake and was now able to look past it, Mahmood stood and walked towards me.

He drew me into a one-armed embrace, leaning down to press a kiss to the side of my head. "You've made us all very proud today, my child," he said, with a tenderness that I had not heard from him in quite some time. "You can consider your punishment well and truly over now." He pulled back from me and cupped my chin, though with not half of the tenderness that Faraya had shown. "I love you, Saria. Very, very much."

"I love you too, Papa," I replied, making my voice sound even more childish and innocent. Mahmood stepped away, and Tanya then decided to speak up.

"Now, I think there's more that us adults need to discuss, perhaps over some tea and a few cakes?" Her words were met with approval, and then, she turned her attention back on me. "Saria, sweetie, why don't you take Adia up to your room to play for a little while? And Assef, take Masood outside for a game of volleyball?"

I almost opened my mouth, almost questioned why I couldn't just take Adia out to play volleyball as well, why they insisted on keeping me separated from my Assef like this, but then... I stopped myself. Forgiveness may have been granted, but it could be taken away on a dime, and I still balanced on that treacherous tightrope. I turned to Adia, who was looking at me with an unreadable expression. "Come on, Adia. Let's go play!"

With a display of childish innocence and excitement, I reached out and took the younger girl by the hand. I began to lead her with me, up the stairs and into my room. Just as she had done when we first met. However, unlike that time, I offered nothing in the form of companionable conversation. I didn't speak a word, didn't even glance behind me to look at her. Finally, we reached my room, and I pushed open the door. "Go right ahead, Adia jan," I gestured for her to step inside. She did so, and her eyes widened slightly.

"It's... It's clean," she muttered, chewing on the inside of her lip. "I mean... way cleaner than mine."

I laughed. "I try to keep it neat, makes finding things all that more easy, you know? Now, come on." I walked towards my bed, and sat down, gesturing for her to do the same. Adia crossed the carpet, and gingerly perched herself on the edge of my bed, looking to all the world like she was afraid of getting it dirty or something. She bit her lip and looked around, while an awkward silence passed between us. Her eyes were focused on my bookshelf, while my eyes were trained on her.

Yes, I still blamed her for my unfair and cruel punishment. I still blamed her whole damn family, actually. All of the needless suffering that I'd had to go through, the pitiful debasement, and for what? For a broken vase? A piece of ceramic that any good craftsman could have made a replacement of? There was no fairness, was there? No true justice. Faraya got her apology letter and the sympathy of my parents, and what did I get? A humiliation that would stick with me through the ages.

A humiliation that I did not understand why it needed to be pushed upon me. Oh, sure, I knew the reasons, from a logical perspective. Or... from Mahmood and Tanya logic. I'd done something that upset Faraya, and may have potentially caused a massive issue for my father's business; the most important thing, of course. Therefore, an apology was to be expected. But from an emotional standpoint... I just couldn't feel it.

Sure, I knew why Faraya had been upset. Logically, it wasn't hard to see why she'd feel bad, seeing this last remnant of memory from her father, a man I assumed she loved, shattered into a million pieces. Especially since her father was dead, and could no longer make her a replacement. That vase had been important to her, very important, and I'd destroyed that. From a logical perspective, her reaction made sense. I can only imagine how I'd feel if someone broke a priceless gift my Assef had made for me. Especially if... no. I couldn't even bring that thought to its conclusion.

But then... standing there that day, looking down at Faraya, seeing how upset she was, I must needs admit that I felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. Well, no, that's not true. I did feel some things. Disgust at myself for being so stupid. Fear for myself and the punishment that I would face — a fear that, as we all know, was well founded. But when it came to Faraya, when it came to the guilt that I should have been feeling, well, then that did not exist. Call me an emotionless robot, call me an empty husk of nothing but my own selfish worries, for those were all I could truly feel in that moment.

Now, brought back to reality as I looked at her daughter, this sprightly, bubbly little ten-year-old who was utterly oblivious to the battles I faced, to my own struggles, I realized that I had not yet had my true retribution. The vengeance that Assef promised me I could, and would, have. And oh, how I craved it. I craved their suffering, craved their own apologies, craved... craved... craved Adia's submission.

I slid closer to the girl, placing my hands on my knees. "Adia?" I asked, my voice gentle, barely above a whisper; a voice that was both hesitant and confident, shaken but still with a little bit of hope to cling to. She turned, and I made my play. "Adia, uh, can... can I ask you something?"

She nodded, and I made my move. "Uhm... I don't... I hope I'm not overstepping here, but... I have to know. I have to get this off of my chest. Are you still... mad at me?"

Adia hesitated. It was clear that my question had thrown her for a loop. Her eyes flickered, as if she wasn't expecting me to come right out and say it. She wouldn't have, that much I knew. She would have kept her mouth shut and not breathed a word, no matter what. Still, the question was out there; and it was now down to her to answer it. She gulped, and looked at me. "I... Well... Uhm..."

They were the hesitant noises of someone who did not wish to answer, who worried about my reaction, about how... how I may feel about what she would say. But I would not have this. I had thrown this hook out and I would be damned if Adia did not take the bait. Truly, what kind of a relationship would this be if I sowed the seeds by permitting her to remain quiet when I wanted an answer?

I sidled closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Adia, you can tell me. I promise... I just... I have to know. I'd like us to be friends, close friends, and... well... I want a friend that I can talk to about things like this. You did seem very mad back at your house. Were you? Are you still?"

Finally, I got myself an answer. Adia nodded. "Yes," she said. "I... I was mad at you, Saria. I was really upset. I mean... you... you made my mommy cry. We were supposed to have a good evening, but you... you broke that vase and made everyone really sad. I know it's not your fault, and I know you... you didn't mean to, but you have to understand." She looked at me, her eyes shining. "You hurt someone that I love; and that... that made me angry. But I'm... I'm not angry anymore. I forgive you."

Forgive me? I thought, incredulously, forgive me?! As if I am the one who did something wrong, when you, little girl, didn't speak up in my defense? You high and mighty bitch, you think you know pain? You think you know misery? You know jack-shit!

"Oh." That was all I could say. I leaned back, looking up. Tears welled up in my eyes, both of frustration and a need to manipulate this child. I gulped out a noise that was a sob and a sigh all at the same time. Internally, I hoped that Adia would take the bait. And... just as I had expected, just as I had predicted, she latched to my hook, and I began to reel her in.

"It really was an accident, Adia," I said, my voice choked. "You... you saw what happened, didn't you? I just stumbled; there was a dent in your floor, and I... I lost my footing. I really didn't mean to do it. You know, you know I didn't mean to do anything. I didn't mean to..." I whispered, tears rolling down my cheeks. A few well-placed hiccups and whispers escaped their way from my lips.

Adia rubbed my back, soothingly, though I could tell she was confused. Clearly she was not used to providing comfort to a stranger, and most especially a girl who was a year older than her. I could feel her sympathy coming off of her in waves. "I'm sorry, Saria. I'm really not mad anymore, truly. I... Please, please don't cry. It's all going to be okay, I promise."

I pulled away from her, sniffed, and wiped my nose with the back of my sleeve. "You promise?" I asked. She nodded, and I exhaled. "That's good. I wouldn't want you to hate me or anything. 'Cause I... I really would like to be your friend, Adia. I truly would." I placed my hand over hers, and was elated when she did not pull away. I was getting to her; she wanted this friendship as much as I yearned for it. Though for different reasons, of course.

"I'd like to be your friend too, Saria," Adia said, "I.. I don't have a lot of friends. It gets lonely sometimes. I really want someone who I can have play-dates with and who I can share my toys with and, you know... all the things that friends do with each other."

Perhaps she would like us to braid each other's hair too? I nodded. "I'd like that, too. I don't have very many friends, either. So I know how you feel. But it's okay now, cause we can be friends. Would you like that?"

Adia nodded, like the gullible fool that she was. "I'd like that, Saria."

With that, I opened my arms for embrace, and Adia leaned right into them. I held her close, feeling her little heart beating, feeling the palpable relief that she felt. She'd wanted a new friend so badly, yearned for companionship, and here I was, offering her that exact thing that she had been so desperate for. A few well-placed words, a few crocodile tears, and she was more than eager to offer herself up to me. She was like clay, just waiting for an expert like me to mold her and make her perfect.

She may have had her flaws, but she was fixable, and fix her I would.


I hope that everyone enjoys this chapter. The next one follows a minor event from the original novel, which is one of several aspects that I plan to expand upon. It, hopefully, should be up very soon. Thank you all again! This story means the world to me, and I am blessed to be able to share it.

Thank you!