She wouldn't know friendship if it shook her right hand...

This is it. I'm doing it. I'm putting an end to it. I'll shut him up.

I look around, scared but curious, and find nothing. The voice doesn't stop and I fret, looking around again. Finally, I spot a mirror covered by a shawl.

She had a change of heart...

I have had to go through pains and sorrows.

As Kuddus stared blankly at the walls for what seemed like decades to him, it suddenly struck him that Shabnur hadn't called. Or maybe she did.

Orion skipped from one heap of dry leaves to another, setting them afire.

The day has finally arrived. The wedding bells are ringing all over the place, sweet chattering and garlands all have clouded the atmosphere.

I had a dream last night,

The world won't get to know

What destiny seeks is a grave, a narrow place

Clean supreme, mind so green

The darkening sky pushed the crimson sun towards the horizon and the blue of the sky gave way to orange as a familiar figure appeared at the gateway.

The surface beneath my feet feels like a mossy ground on a summer day—slippery yet dry.

Last night when you let out a smile

The word is mostly undermined.

I remember meeting him for the first time when I was a cheerful third grader. At the tender age of 12, I found a friend in him.

The golden glow from the circular lamp that hung from the ceiling dimmed to a murky yellow.

Adnan M. S. Fakir teaches Economics at BRAC University. Outside he directs a documentary film series called “Finding Bangladesh,” writes, takes photos, does social activism and travels a lot. He can be reached at adnanfakir@gmail.com.

I once dreamt of a boy,