16 stories
The Henna Mistress of Mombasa | سَيِّدَةُ الحِنّاءِ في مُمْباسا
In the old town of Mombasa, a renowned henna artist discovers that her most intricate designs are painted in passion with a wealthy Hadrami merchant.
Mombasa Somali Quarter
She runs a guesthouse in Mombasa's Somali quarter—a thick ebony widow who hosts traders and travelers. When he arrives researching coastal trade, she offers hospitality. Some hospitality is complete.
The Henna Night
The night before his wedding, the groom is summoned by the bride's mother and aunt. They have traditions to teach him—and tests to administer.
Harusi
At his brother's Mombasa wedding, he's paired with his new sister-in-law's thick, recently-widowed sister for the traditional dances. Some traditions are meant to be broken.
The Night Nurse
He's recovering from surgery. She works the night shift. In the dark hours when the hospital sleeps, she provides care that isn't in any medical textbook.
The Henna Artist
The night before his wedding, the henna artist comes to prepare him. Her designs are intricate. Her preparations are thorough. Some traditions require more than just decorated hands.
The Kanga Seller
She sells kanga fabrics in the Mombasa market. When he comes to buy a gift for his mother, she insists on showing him how the fabric drapes. On her body. In the back room.
The Mourning House
After his mother dies, he visits the mourning house—a place where widows gather to grieve. But these widows offer more than condolences. Some comfort requires a man's touch.
The Sheikh's Mother
His best friend is the most respected religious leader in Mombasa. His mother is the most forbidden woman he's ever wanted. Some friendships come with complications.
The Debt Collector's Wife
Her husband collects debts for Mombasa's moneylenders. When a young man can't pay, she offers a different kind of collection. Some debts are settled in flesh.
The Convert
She converted to marry his father. Now a widow in a foreign land, she turns to her stepson to learn what her husband never taught her. Some lessons require hands-on instruction.
The Mosque Cleaner
She cleans the mosque after everyone leaves. He stays late for prayer. In the empty halls of the holy place, they find something unholy together.
Tarawih Break
Ramadan nights are for prayer. But between the long tarawih sessions, there are breaks. His neighbor uses those breaks to teach him something other than Quran.
The Imam's Wife
While the imam preaches to his congregation, his wife preaches something different to their houseguest. Some sermons happen behind closed doors.
The Madrasa Teacher
She taught him Quran when he was seven. Now he's twenty-five, and Mwalimu Khadija has lessons of a different kind. Some teachers never stop educating.
Iddah
Islamic law says a widow must wait four months and ten days before remarrying. She's been waiting three weeks. Her stepson has been waiting longer. Some rules are meant to be broken.