Ibrahim exhales loudly, like he is dreading my answer.
I give in. “It is.”
Silence falls like a hammer. Loud, angry silence. This silence fills me up until I can’t take it anymore and something gives way. I tell them about my feelings. Even though I know I shouldn’t.
“Amir, I’m in trouble. I’m in love.”
I have never said this before. Never. It’s like hearing my own voice for the very first time in my life. Strange, but I feel relieved. And this relief weighs down my companions.
Amir leans forward, Ibrahim freezes.
“What do you mean you’re in love?”
Oh, no! It was more than enough to say it once.
I set my tea down and collect myself. I lift my chin and look into my cousin’s dark eyes. I’m trying to make my voice sound firm.
“What’s there not to understand? I’m in love. That’s all.”
