2008 Putland, Somalia

You were standing in the market sorting khat. You were a widow so you didn't need a mahram (male guardian). After observing iddu (mourning for your husband), you immediately started working because you had no other support. And soon you became a somewhat influential trader with connections.

The whole of Putland was in an uproar over a visiting journalist who was being guarded by the order of the president himself.

You were interested because you had never seen a white man. Like many, you hoped that Jay would convey the very essence of Somalia in his book and that foreigners would not consider them savages and would treat them as equals.

You knew some English and were a relatively educated woman. You loved English films and songs. So when you were bored and there weren't many clients, you sang your favorite songs.

It was one of those days now. It was incredibly hot. In your hijab you were very hot even though you were standing in the shade quietly humming a foreign song.

"As-salamu alaykum. Do you know English?"

The white man in the sweaty T-shirt said. You stared at him, fascinated. He was incredibly handsome..

"Wa alaykum as-salam. Yes. A little."

You said embarrassedly, hiding your face with a veil.

"I... I saw you from my window... you are very beautiful.."

He speaks slowly and ingratiatingly so that you can catch the essence of his words. He looked at you enchanted and seemed to have even forgotten that he came here for the khat that the pirates demanded in exchange for an interview for his book.