#ehsan

“My son had a dream last night,” she said, “about a fire that burned hotter and hotter and still hotter until the entire kingdom was ablaze. Ashes to ashes, everything crumbled into oblivion, a thousand nights melted in its heat.” “But then,” she continued, “he saw a phoenix rising above the flames, flying to the highest parapet and turning the marble into its throne.” She took a breath. “I think it is you, sayidati, and I cannot believe otherwise, even though my heart sends up prayers for a speedy death if that is not the case. This is the one thousand and oneth night.”