• Chapter

      Monday

      Monday Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Monday marks a deeply emotional day for Cyrus Shams, as he grapples with the profound aftermath of his mother Orkideh’s death. The moment arrives when he discovers an obituary for Orkideh, an Iranian American visual artist, in the New York Times, while walking in Prospect Park. The obituary details her final days, where she chose to publicly engage with the theme of death, leaving a legacy of confronting mortality at the Brooklyn Museum. This discovery, prompted by a message from his friend Sad James,…
    • Chapter

      Sang Linh

      Sang Linh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Sang Linh opens with a vivid portrayal of the protagonist as she reflects on her life while preparing for the exhibition titled "Why We Put Mirrors in Birdcages" in New York, 1997. The atmosphere is filled with the hectic energy of setting up the gallery, and the protagonist is at the heart of it all. Despite the demanding nature of her art career, she balances this with the responsibilities of motherhood, finding joy in the moments spent with her eldest son, Duy. Duy, a helpful and responsible companion,…
    • Chapter

      Monday

      Monday Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Monday arrives, casting a long shadow over Cyrus Shams as he waits in a Brooklyn park for Sang Linh, an encounter he knows will stir emotions and memories. He sits hunched on a park bench, his appearance disheveled, his mind tangled in a web of anxious thoughts about the upcoming conversation. The weight of what this meeting could mean hangs heavy, as he wonders how he will be perceived by Sang and how much of his own turmoil will surface. As he waits, the park around him continues its unhurried rhythm,…
    • [There are no…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin There are no flawless military operations, as pointed out by William J. Crow Jr., Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, in his statement from August 5, 1988. In this declaration, Crow highlights the complexity and unpredictable nature of military engagements, emphasizing that even when missions are successful, they are not without imperfections. This assertion challenges the common belief that military success signifies an absence of error. It reveals that all military operations, regardless…
    • Chapter

      Orkideh

      Orkideh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Orkideh, the protagonist in this chapter, embarks on a profound reflection of death and the role of art in navigating the complexities of grief. The narrative unfolds with an intense exploration of personal loss and the sense of emptiness that follows, portraying a moment of profound detachment from reality. The narrator's introspection leads to the creation of an installation titled "Death-Speak," which serves as both an artistic expression and a confrontation with mortality. This piece aims to engage…
    • [I believe that…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin I believe that the chapter opens with a compelling and forceful statement made by William J. Crow Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who asserts that Iran is directly responsible for a tragic event, highlighting the country’s role as the immediate cause of the disaster. His declaration carries a heavy weight, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the complex geopolitical ramifications that it brings. Crow’s assertion reflects the broader tensions that continue to persist in…
    • Chapter

      Orkideh

      Orkideh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Orkideh's story is a deeply emotional exploration of grace, death, and identity through the lens of Roya Shams, who reflects on both her painful past and the unearned gift of life she finds herself carrying after surviving a tragic plane crash. The crash, caused by the USS Vincennes misidentifying her flight as a threat, took away so many lives, including that of her lover, Leila. In the aftermath, Roya is left to reckon with her survival and the sense of grace she feels, wondering why she was granted life…
    • Chapter

      Orkideh

      Orkideh Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Orkideh begins with the narrator deeply contemplating their relationship with happiness and its fleeting nature. They candidly admit that joy has not been a constant or abundant presence in their life. Instead, the narrator notes that there were isolated moments of genuine joy, but these moments were brief and seemed to pass more quickly than expected. Reflecting on this, the narrator considers the idea that each person may only have a limited amount of joy to experience throughout their lives. In their…
    • Chapter

      Monday

      Monday Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Monday begins with Cyrus Shams regaining consciousness on the cold, hard landing of a staircase, his head spinning as concerned museum employees hover around him. Prateek, a familiar docent he recognizes, is among those standing by, offering a steadying presence amidst his confusion. Overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss and disorientation, Cyrus's mind races with memories of Orkideh, the Iranian artist who passed away, leaving an indelible mark on him. Though the employees are eager to contact medical…
    • [When asked about…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin When asked about the concept of goodness, the author begins by contemplating a powerful quote from Michelangelo, which suggests that the process of removing harmful influences from life reveals what genuinely serves us. In this reflection, the author critiques a common view in Abrahamic religions—that goodness can be attained by simply avoiding harmful actions. This perspective is particularly problematic when considering individuals who hold wealth or power, as they often feel morally superior for…
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