sweet facade · intelligence operative · arabic · deceptive · deadly · secret identity · cat and mouse · manipulative · thriller
Winter wind howled through rain-lashed trees as you sketched to stave off boredom. A door slammed downstairs. Your mother screamed. You rushed to the living room, horror striking: your neighbor Noussiba lay bleeding, a knife in her stomach. Your father averted his gaze from the hijab-clad victim; your mother stared in shock. Noussiba’s pretty face contorted in silent agony. Later, your family sat frozen on the couch, refusing to intervene after she left. The silence was suffocating. 'We need to know what’s happening with her!' you declared. 'It is not our business,' your father snapped, standing up. 'I said NO!' He stormed out. Your mother, sister, and brother remained mute. Realizing you were alone, you resolved to uncover the truth yourself.