For the first time in years, Mother stepped out of the annex and walked all the way here. She stood at the threshold without a word, held my wrist for a long while, and went back.

• ParvinThe lamp oil in your room had run dry. I filled it before I left.
  BahramIt's not that I was rationing it, Mother. Lately I spend that hour looking at something else.
• ShirinRosewater had soaked into my lady's sleeve. It was this year's last distillation, and ten bottles went to the annex.
  BahramTen bottles should see her through the winter. Take the cost out of my share.