18 stories
The Minaret at Midnight | المنارة في منتصف الليل
She photographs minarets across the Muslim world. He's the architect who designed the newest one in Kuala Lumpur. Their visions align in unexpected ways.
Covent Garden
Opera singer Margareta has performed at Covent Garden for decades. When a new conductor arrives, the sparks between them hit notes she's never sung before.
Exeter Cathedral
Cathedral choir director Eleanor has trained voices for forty years. When composer David arrives to premiere a new work, she shows him what sacred music truly demands.
Film Festival Flame
Director Lina debuts her film at the Red Sea Festival. When critic David challenges her work, professional combat becomes personal passion. 'Al fann silaah' (الفن سلاح) - Art is a weapon.
Poet's Passion
Poet Hind performs at cultural festivals across the kingdom. When translator Erik wants to bring her work to global audiences, verses become verses of a different kind. 'Al shi'r lughit al qalb' (الشعر لغة القلب) - Poetry is the language of the heart.
Stratford Stage
RSC costume designer Viola finds herself fitting more than just doublets when the new Hamlet arrives for his first measurements.
The Writer's Block
Novelist Amira hasn't written in two years. When she retreats to a Bradford cottage and meets Zain—the caretaker with his own creative past—she finds inspiration in unexpected places.
Theater Heat
Theater director Noura stages Saudi Arabia's cultural revival. When playwright Ahmed joins her vision, drama transcends the stage. 'Al masrah mir'at al mujtama'' (المسرح مرآة المجتمع) - Theater mirrors society.
Honor Oak Heat
Ceramicist Nneka fires her pieces at her Honor Oak studio. When gallery owner Marcus commissions her work, she molds him into something new with very hands-on techniques.
Mile End Magic
Tattoo artist Yaa creates masterpieces on skin. When musician Kwame comes for his first ink, she discovers some canvases are worth more personal attention.
New Cross Nectar
Spoken word artist Folake commands stages across New Cross. When music producer Derek offers to record her poetry, she shows him that her best work happens off the mic.
The Henna Artist
She does henna for every Somali wedding in North London. He's the groom's brother who sits too close while she works, asks too many questions, and can't stop watching her hands. The night before the wedding, her hands find something else to do.
The Photographer's Muse
He photographs Somali weddings and portraits across London. She's the woman who showed up to model for a hijab brand—shy, stunning, and completely unaware of her effect on him. Behind the camera, he keeps her image. Behind closed doors, he keeps much more.
Through the Wall
She hears him playing oud through the wall every night—beautiful, melancholy music she can't ignore. When she finally knocks to complain, he opens the door, and she realizes she doesn't want him to stop playing. She wants him to play for her.
Bass Drop
She sings—traditional Somali music fused with UK garage. He's the producer who wants to sign her but can't keep the sessions professional. Between the beats and the harmonies, they create something neither expected.
Open Mic, Open Heart
She performs spoken word at an open mic in Brixton. He's in the audience—the only one who doesn't clap politely but actually listens. After her set, he finds her at the bar. His words are better than any poem.
Thread Count
She designs modest fashion that doesn't look modest—hijabs that make statements, abayas that turn heads. He's the photographer she hires for her lookbook and suddenly every shot feels more intimate than it should.
Still Life
She guards art at the National Gallery—stands still for hours while masterpieces hang around her. He's the artist who keeps sketching her during his visits. When he finally shows her the drawings, she realizes she's been his masterpiece all along.