58

Daddy dearest,

We’re off and running! The session is underway. The pace is a lot faster than last year. I don’t have any free time — there’s nothing but homework and projects to turn in. Lynne and Mona are working really hard this year. What a difference from before! I’m sure Emma has trained them in excellent work habits. And how are you doing? I’m counting the days until you come back. Above all, don’t change your mind at the last minute. You’ll be here in the middle of winter. What a difference from the smothering heat of Dubai!

Mommy has started doing yoga — her latest discovery. And she’s not seeing Leila any more. Good riddance if you ask me. What a relief not to have to listen to her snarky remarks. I suspect she and Mommy had a falling out over something. She’s stopped calling and never comes over to the house. Which is just fine by me!

I’m seeing a lot of my new friend Louise. We get along wonderfully. I’ve been talking to her about the Emirates. She says she dreams about going there for a visit. Maybe the two of us will go next summer. I don’t really want to work there, but I wouldn’t say no to a short visit. In fact, I’m becoming more and more Canadian all the time. I feel at home here, I’m making friends, I like my courses, and every day I learn something new about life. Even my arguments with Mommy aren’t like they used to be. I’ve learned to “manage” her, as people say here.

I’m happy that your project with the Canadians is working out so well. What about your associate? Does he still listen to you? Or does he still insist on doing everything his way, playing it by instinct? Why don’t you start a business here? You could use my professional skills, and we’d all be so happy to see you here at home every day. Why don’t we talk it over when you’re with us next December?

Time to go and get back to my studying. I’ve got another project to finish.

Hugs and kisses,

Your daughter,

Lama

It was almost nine o’clock at night. Lama was in her room. From the next room came faint noises: her sisters whispering as they did their homework together. Lama shrugged. The two girls were still behaving like kids, totally oblivious to the world around them. Maybe one day they’ll realize that they’ve grown up and that they won’t be Mommy’s little darlings indefinitely. Lama sighed, rubbed her eyes as if to eradicate the slightest urge to sleep, and then sat down in front of the computer.

In her room at the end of the hall, Samia Bibi lay face down on her green yoga mat. Her short legs were stretched out behind her and her head lay lightly on the mat. Unblinking, her eyes were focused on a point. Her slightly fleshy arms were spread out, each thrown to one side. Samia breathed deeply, trying not to forget the instructions Angela, her yoga instructor, had given her. She lay motionless for a moment and then raised her legs behind her head, her arms forming a V, her chest compressed by the weight of her stomach. She felt herself as light as a feather, as if she were about to take flight. This was the best position for eliminating bad thoughts.

Jealousy had just about thrown her into depression. Luckily she’d chanced upon an ad for yoga lessons being given in the neighbourhood, and it had changed her life. It was love at first sight. The yoga positions helped her focus on her body, listen to her breathing, and not be obsessed with doubt. Around the same time, Samia had stopped seeing Leila. There were no more morning get-togethers over Turkish coffee, but now she had something else to satisfy her. Her only remaining weakness was shopping.

But evening gowns and elegant ensembles no longer interested her. No, it was clear she had enough. Now she only had eyes for sportswear such as yoga tanks, special tops to restrain her breasts and display her navel, and pretty bands that kept her hair in place. Samia bought all the new outfits, because she couldn’t get enough. They made her feel young and beautiful, the way she’d felt when she lived in Kuwait and dreamed of the Prince Charming who would rescue her, who would carry her away from that living hell.