My eyes flutter opened. I turn on my side. Zoya's sleeping figure brings back the memories of last night and takes my sleep away. I caress her cheek and smile to myself, recalling that she's now healthy and with me.

I rise to sitting position, cast a glance at the wall-clock. It's seven in the morning. Recalling the argument I had with Ashar last night, I wonder where he could be right now. I have a faint memory that he carried me to my room, but I was feeling too knackered and weak to react.

The realization trickles through me that I acted selfish throughout the situation and didn't pay...