Chapter 23: The Shift

Months passed. Aleena was in Zia's home, helping his mother shell groundnuts. The domesticity of the scene felt natural and right.
"Zia talks about you all the time," Umma said, a knowing glint in her eye. "He hasn't been this happy in a long time."
Aleena blushed, her heart soaring. Just then, Zia walked in.
"Aleena, is that you?" he asked, a genuine smile gracing his lips. He had learned to recognize the soft scent of her perfume and the specific sound of her footsteps.
"Yes, it's me," she said, her voice warm. . .