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      Zee Novak

      Zee Novak Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Zee Novak reflects on the early spring of 2014, when he and Cyrus Shams were sharing a modest apartment in Indiana, just a year removed from their graduation. During this time, their relationship was defined by casual dating, excessive drinking, and routine activities that, despite their chaotic nature, brought a sense of stability. However, Cyrus eventually decided to make a drastic change by embracing sobriety, marking the beginning of a shift in their shared experiences. One such shift involved their…
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      Sunday

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Sunday finds Cyrus Shams in Brooklyn on the third day of his visit, with the intention of visiting the museum before it opens. His aim is to engage in a meaningful conversation with Orkideh, a talented artist currently facing the challenges of cancer. On his way, he picks up two coffees, planning to offer one to Orkideh as a gesture of thoughtfulness, which sparks a moment of introspection for him. The act of giving the coffee reminds Cyrus of the term "sonder," the realization that everyone has a complex…
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      Sunday

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Sunday arrives, and Cyrus Shams sits in the outdoor café named Daylight in Brooklyn, wrapped in a cold breeze as he waits for his friend Zee Novak. His mind is preoccupied with a conversation he had with Orkideh, a complex figure from his past. Orkideh had mentioned a plane crash that was somehow connected to Cyrus’s mother, a revelation he had never heard before and which lingered in his thoughts. Pulling out his phone, Cyrus exchanges a brief text with his sponsor, Gabe, who reassures him that he is…
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      Sunday

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Sunday was a day filled with reflection and connection for Cyrus Shams and Zee Novak as they found themselves at ease in Brooklyn, sharing a casual evening together. Sitting side by side, eating pizza and watching TV, the two friends exchanged lighthearted banter and engaged in deeper conversations about life’s complexities. Zee brought up the ironic nature of being in a city teeming with opportunities, yet still choosing to do nothing, tying it to the concept of "opportunity cost." In a humorous debate,…
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      Sunday

      Sunday Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Sunday arrives, and Cyrus Shams finds himself trapped in the tumult of his own emotions as he navigates his third day in Brooklyn. The weight of his recent loss looms large, as the funeral of his father still lingers in his thoughts. Seeking some semblance of connection, Cyrus tries to reach out to Zee, though his heart feels hesitant, unsure if he should burden others with his grief. He ultimately decides against leaving a message, instead choosing to reflect on the stark reality of his father’s burial,…
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      Saturday

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Saturday begins with Cyrus Shams waking up in a chic Brooklyn hotel room shared with his roommate, Zee. Their bond goes beyond simple friendship, characterized by an intimacy that, although non-sexual, runs deep and is expressed through affectionate gestures. Cyrus often reflects on his past, particularly his childhood habit of thumb-sucking, which he now replaces by using Zee’s thumb for comfort, a symbol of the closeness and trust that defines their relationship. Despite the lack of overt physical…
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      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams finds herself contemplating the meaning of her life in the summer of 1987 in Tehran. As she navigates the daily routines of cleaning and cooking, she becomes increasingly aware of her dissatisfaction, feeling distanced from the very essence of her existence. Her desire for quiet solitude often manifests in small personal rituals, like sipping tea alone or doodling, moments that offer brief reprieves from the demands of her role. However, these moments of peace are disrupted by the arrival of…
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      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams reflects on a life-changing day in August 1987, where she finds herself deeply affected by Leila, a woman who embodies a beauty that surpasses mere aesthetics. Their conversation in a taxi is lively and filled with various topics, ranging from astrology to punk music to mythology, all of which reveal Leila’s exuberant and free-spirited nature. As the taxi winds its way through Tehran’s busy streets, Roya is struck by the contrast between the vibrant atmosphere and the darker history of the…
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      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams reflects on a defining day in August 1987, one that marked the start of a transformative journey for her. The day unfolds with a sense of adventure and freedom, as Roya and her friend Leila wander through the heart of Tehran, taking in the vibrant energy of the bustling Bazaar-e Tajrish. The marketplace is alive with an explosion of sensory experiences, from the vibrant colors of fresh flowers to the mouthwatering scents of kabobs sizzling over charcoal, and the intricate beauty of handwoven…
    • Roya and Arash Shirazi Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya and Arash Shirazi’s relationship in 1973 Tehran serves as a poignant depiction of the emotional and psychological toll that familial dynamics, shame, and societal expectations can have on a young child. Roya, at just ten years old, is confronted with the humiliation of bedwetting, an issue that she desperately tries to hide. Her attempts to manage this problem—by limiting her water intake and avoiding meals—fail, as the smell clings to her, and her brother Arash ridicules her for it. This…
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