Fatima

“Writing is the closest thing we have to real magic”
― R.F. Kuang, Yellowface

“...the constant shifting of power had done its damage. I didn't know then, but it was the beginning of an apathy for my own self that would last for a long time. Our lives were controlled from elsewhere and the dreams that we dreamt were always at the mercy of someone else, someone occupying us, ruling us.”
― Farah Bashir, Rumours of Spring: A Girlhood in Kashmir

“I learned over the years to identify two different kinds of tears. First,tears of frustration or rage. Violent, severe, red tears. They don't stream,they spurt. It's easy to recognize them because they leave behind puffy faces and swollen eyes.
And then there are, as is the case tonight, tears of sadness. They also don't stream, they overflow. After several days of continuous, vague sadness, they slide down the face in silence, one after another. These are icy tears, not very abundant, a very light, almost transparent blue. They act as a shield: these protective tears place a damp bandage over the cheek. It's enough to wipe them away with the back of your hand.”
― Maud Ventura, My Husband

“Everyone is important. When you know that and believe it and act upon it, everything and everyone
around you will feel at peace with you.”
― S.K. Ali, Love from Mecca to Medina