Guzim and I talked a lot over those nine months, and his worldly perspective comforted me: more European than tri-state, more Cold War than twenty-first century, and grounded in gratitude. His stance was resolute. He upheld and honored me for my choice, and protected my dignity and self-esteem. I was still young, he reminded me. I could still meet a man and get married. I had a master’s degree, a job, savings.
