Tonight, at line of latitude 36°12’04” north, line of longitude 37°09’40” east, elevation above sea level 1315 ft, following bombings that lasted over ten hours in your time frame of reference, but a mini eternity in her understanding, Fajr and her mama lost their home. Favorite hijab, sacred Quran, her father and, above all, her sense of reality – all gone. A lit candle stub Fajr carries augments her hypnagogic illusion.

Tonight, a light year away from Fajr, across land and water, little Dawn refuses to go to bed. Her friend, whom everyone calls “imaginary,” is defeated.