The Pearl that Broke Its Shell

by Nadia Hashimi

Shekiba was born at the turn of the twentieth century, in an Afghanistan eyed lasciviously by Russia and Britain. Each would take turns promising to protect the borders they had just invaded, like a pedophile who professes to love his victim.

The person who doesn’t appreciate the apple doesn’t appreciate the orchard. You’ll never please them.

The porcupine feels velvet when she rubs her baby’s back.