played again over dinner the night before. It has become a nightly ritual ever since Laila
gave Tariq and the children the news. Back and forth they go, making a case for their own
choice. Tariq likes Mohammad. Zalmai, who has recently watched Superman on tape, is
puzzled as to why an Afghan boy cannot be named Clark. Aziza is campaigning hard for
Aman. Laila likes Omar.
But the game involves only male names. Because, if it's a girl, Laila has already named
her.