H: ZALEEKHAH: By the River Thames, 2018

Zaleekhah walks along Great Russell Street, lost in thought as the hum of rush hour traffic surrounds her. She had just visited a gallery that was supported by her family, the Maleks, with the hope of seeing her cousin Helen, but to her disappointment, Helen was nowhere to be found. As she walks back towards her home, memories from her neighbors about the owner of a nearby houseboat come to mind. Unknowingly, Zaleekhah ends up walking in the direction of a tattoo parlour called “The Forgotten Goddess,” intrigued by the idea of what might await her there.

Upon entering the tattoo parlour, Zaleekhah is immediately struck by the clean, sophisticated interior. The shop features a stylish emerald sofa and warm, inviting decorations that make the space feel intimate and comfortable. The shop’s owner, a tall and attractive man, greets her with a smile and assumes she is a potential tattoo client. Zaleekhah identifies herself as the houseboat tenant, and it’s soon revealed that the actual owner, Nen, is downstairs, waiting to meet her.

When Nen appears, the two exchange a warm greeting, and Nen quickly opens up about her family, sharing that she has five younger brothers. This detail sparks a conversation about family dynamics, which makes Zaleekhah reflect on her own upbringing. Unlike Nen’s lively household, Zaleekhah’s childhood had been marked by solitude, an experience that gives her a deeper appreciation for Nen’s close family ties. This exchange fosters a mutual understanding between the two, as both women begin to connect over their contrasting experiences.

As their conversation continues, Zaleekhah casually mentions the leaky kitchen sink in her houseboat, prompting Nen to immediately offer her help. Nen’s willingness to assist with such a seemingly minor issue speaks volumes about her generosity, further drawing Zaleekhah to her. Nen then prepares a special coffee for them, using dried lavender as a key ingredient. Zaleekhah savors the soothing flavor, and the two delve into a conversation about the history and cultural significance of cuneiform tattoos, which are crafted with symbols from an ancient script.

Throughout the evening, Nen shares her passion for mudlarking on the Thames, describing how she has uncovered fascinating artifacts from history. Zaleekhah listens intently, captivated by the stories of hidden treasures and the connection Nen feels to the past. Their conversation becomes a celebration of the intersection of history, culture, and personal experiences, something that resonates deeply with Zaleekhah, who has always been drawn to the richness of the past. These tales help Zaleekhah momentarily escape the turmoil of her mind, finding comfort in the exploration of the unknown.

As Zaleekhah prepares to leave, Nen expresses genuine surprise at Zaleekhah’s decision to rent a houseboat. She remarks that life on the water may offer unforeseen joys and experiences, and Zaleekhah is left to ponder this suggestion. The thought of such a lifestyle stirs memories of a childhood book, which portrayed a life filled with exploration and possibility. The idea of embracing something so different from her current life excites her, though she remains uncertain of what it would truly mean.

When she exits the tattoo shop, Nen hands her a small slab of dough, its surface marked with Zaleekhah’s name in cuneiform. This simple gesture, though small, represents the start of something new and meaningful in Zaleekhah’s life. The dough slab serves as a symbol of a connection that has begun to form, one that carries with it the potential for personal growth, healing, and new opportunities. As she steps out into the cool evening air, the houseboat, once a place of isolation, now feels like a potential home for new beginnings. The night ahead, filled with the sounds of the river and the soft rustling of the trees, feels full of promise, as Zaleekhah takes the first step toward embracing the changes that may come her way.