My Bird

18

45 18 Amir has fallen in love. In love with a blond woman. He introduces her to me as “my sister.” The woman is thin and slender, and probably from Canada. She extends her hand and smiles. I can’t tell if she is Iranian or Canadian, but she is a stranger. She can’t be his sister. I want to scream. But Amir isn’t looking at me. He has turned toward the woman. No one looks at his sister like that. I am almost certain. I squeeze my eyelids so hard that my face gets tied into knots. I tell myself it is all over between Amir and me. I feel a sadness different from any other. I hear myself weep. It sounds like Maman’s weeping. I feel his body against mine. I have not opened my eyes yet, but I am awake. It must be almost morning. Amir has come to bed. I put my arms around him and rest my head on his neck. Reconciling silently is the best way. Amir is back and he does not know from where I have got him back. ...