“What was your first impression of Sabera and her family?”I ask Ashley now.
She shrugs, moving down to the next drawer.“She was quiet, let Isaad do the talking.I assumed that indicated a more traditional marriage, which surprised me, because according to their file, they were both in academia.He taught mathematics at Kabul University.She worked in the department.Aliah, who was the volunteer assigned to the family—”
“She’s the one who reached out to me.”
“She’s amazing!”Ashley’s voice picks up.“She’d already remembered a booster seat for Zahra, and had one delivered to my car—you don’t know how many times we forget things like that.But Aliah’s a pro and a great role model for the younger females.I mean twenty-five years later, look at her now!”
“Absolutely.”I’ve finally finished scouring the wall running perpendicular to the kitchen cabinets.It turns out the original color is almost as dingy as the previously grimy version, so I’m left with a mostly moral victory.At least the blood is gone.Until I glance up at the ceiling.
Definitely not from an injury while cutting up produce.I raise the bottle of bleach spray and get to it.
“What did Sabera and her husband think of the apartment?”
“Oh, the look on their faces when I pulled into the complex’s parking lot…” Ashley sighs heavily.“Isaad asked a lot of questions about their three-month allowance, which is exactly how long families are given to be financially independent once they are settled in a city.”
“Three months?”I can’t keep the disbelief from my voice.
“Exactly.First task is to assess their English skills, then enrollthem in the proper English as a second language class.Good news for the Ahmadis—I could already tell Isaad’s English was good enough, while Sabera’s was absolutely perfect.She even enunciates with a crisp British accent, which I assumed was from private school education, but later learned her mother was originally from London.”
I take a break from dabbing the ceiling to regard Ashley.“How did Sabera seem with her daughter?Did she engage…” I hesitate, picking my words carefully.“Or hold herself separate?”
“You encounter many traumatized people?”Ashley asks me levelly.“I mean suffering from serious PTSD.Kids, parents, individuals subject to years of stress, terror, uncertainty?”
I don’t shy away from her gaze.“Yes.”
“Sabera did the right things, said the right things.If her daughter grabbed her hand, she held it.If her husband asked a question, she answered it.But at the same time, she remained removed.There, but not there.For the record, it’s not the first time I’ve seen such behavior.”
I nod, recalling the Sabera I’d studied in Aliah’s photo.Present, but separate.Like Ashley, I’m familiar with such behavior.Including from myself.
I switch gears.“Do you like him?The husband, Isaad?”
“I don’t know him.I’ve interacted with him maybe three or four times, mostly about tactical issues.Their air conditioner wasn’t working properly.I walked him through how to contact his landlord, draft an email requesting repair work, that kind of thing.”
“Did he seem uncomfortable talking to a female?”I ask.
She shrugs.“We’re given guidance on various cultures and religions.I know there’s no physical contact between men and women—don’t greet with a handshake or tap the husband on theshoulder, that kind of thing.But Isaad seemed more comfortable in my presence than many.”
I’m still watching her.“But did youlikehim?”I know I’m repeating myself, but I also think Ashley isn’t truly answering my question.
Her slight hesitation again.“Have you met him?”
“No.”
“But you will?”
“I hope to speak to him sooner rather than later.”
She nods.“You do that.My understanding is that he’s regarded as a brilliant mind in his field.Certainly, he can be very charming when he wants something.And… not so charming, when feeling denied.Which, given his change in life circumstance…”
I think I get it.I also hear the sound of a car pulling up outside, the purr of a clearly well-tuned engine.I don’t have to look outside to know Daryl has returned.
“Your chariot awaits,” Ashley murmurs.And for a moment, her shoulders slump, her expression once again taking on its strained look.
“I can stay longer.”
That faint smile.“It will never be long enough.”She cocks her head sideways.“Though, somehow, I think you understand that better than most.”
“I can return tomorrow afternoon.Bring extra supplies.Maybe some extra muscle.”I’m already thinking of Daryl, whom I’m willing to bet is a giant softy.But even as I say the words, I see the doubt on Ashley’s face.My mission often feels overwhelming, but I’m only ever trying to help one person.She is literally trying to assist a community of thirty million.Her poor cat indeed.
