The stories predate Facebook and social media. Some predate cell phones. There are references to the Gulf War and bird flu in Mariam's stories. Subtle hints about the January 25 revolution in 2011 show up in my stories and Aida's, but these were introduced in rewrites, because mentioning the revolution wove in naturally with existing storylines. The last story in the collection by Aida, "Tangerine Woman", is one she wrote during our many coffee dates while waiting for Mariam's recovery. At the time, Aida was the editor of an art blog and was inspired by the artists she interviewed to write a story about an artistic couple. I feel this is the most complete and revised story left behind and believe she would be happy to see it in print. I hope I have done my friends justice with what I've made out of this collection. It's been a long journey out at sea. Seventeen years. Finally, it is time for our vessel to be moored.
