Parvana's Promise

She could tell the woman was watching her through the small window in the door. The girl kept her back against the door and didn't move.

'We can keep you locked up here for a very long time,' the woman finally said, speaking softly. 'Talk to me. Is your name Parvana?'

The girl remained with her back against the door. Silent. She heard the woman's boots walk away down the hall. She stood and waited, listening hard to see if the boots would come back.

When she was sure she was alone, the girl in the dusty blue chador finally spoke. 'Yes,' she whispered. 'My name is Parvana.'