Acknowledgments

Writing might be a solitary affair, but it does not take place in a vacuum. For all their support, I would like to thank my parents and my sister, my friends, my colleagues, and my literary collaborators, without whom I wouldn't be where I am today. Above all, I would like to thank my wonderful wife for being an amazing partner and not only making me a better person but also tirelessly working to improve the world.

For this novella, I am especially grateful to all my Sri Lankan friends and colleagues who generously shared their knowledge, insights, and experiences with me and/or read the draft version of this novella for accuracy and authenticity. This includes, but is not limited to, Avanthi Jayasuriya, Nandana Sitinamaluwe, Kavindu Ediriweera, Damitha Samarakoon, and Senashia Ekanayake.

I also owe huge thanks to Selena, Ren, and everyone else at Stelliform Press for their incredible work and attention to detail, which has turned my raw manuscript into a finished and much improved novella. Without them, this would not be the book you are reading today.

I am aware that I am telling a story that, while fictional, is not fully mine, and that after five years in Sri Lanka, I still remain a foreigner. However, I have tried my best to listen, observe, and understand, and to tell this story, in particular its real-life and historic elements, with the respect, dignity, and authenticity that every story deserves.