S.K. Ali

I wanted to be surrounded by warmth.

who didn’t look at me weird for the way I dressed, for how Muslim I looked,

She’s zen. He’s zen. I’m not.

maybe we’re meant to be alone,

“Because I want to have peace too. Like you.”

“Dad, can I be Muslim too? Now?”

“I’m just glad to be home.”

I just wanted the right mix of being with someone I connected to, who cared, but also let me be.

No, I think maybe it was to see that smile again

And the smile happened