KASHMIR, MARCH, 2022 . The morning moved faster than usual, indicating that the day would be eventful, and the sky hung low and gray. Late in the afternoon, I discovered Aadil in his room, sitting by the window, his brow furrowed. His fingers moved restlessly over the rosary beads in contemplation. Because the heavy velvet curtains were half-closed, the room was dim, and there was a perplexing wedge of daylight that fell on certain spot where Aadil sat, giving the entire scene a dreamy quality. I couldn't help but wonder if Aadil would recognize the true intent behind everything I was about to ask him to do, or if he would be shocked and upset. As I stood there taking in the tranquillity of the moment while also feeling scared and worried, I caught sight of of a dream I noticed Aadil, a much older and frailer version of himself, sitting in a dark green robe. in the same location, looking more compassionate and generous than ever before, but with a permanent scar on his hear...