The energetic bearded man, wearing a khaki shirt, jeans and fleece

Approaches her café table saying, “Good morning, you’ll be my niece,

Ma’soumeh.” She had responded to his note left at her school office

“Meet me on Friday 13 hours at the Bird Park café to celebrate this

Extension of my family, your uncle Kouroosh.” She told her mother

She had invented an uncle for protection without thinking what bother

Might result. “He sounds OK,” Yasmin had judged. “Just say sorry.”

“You told my colleague that I knew you were a pest.”- she worried

what was coming next- “But I was delighted by your humour. How

did you get here, it’s not easy if you don’tdrive.” “The metro, then I allowed

someone to give me a lift, a baker’s van in fact.” “I thought you would be

resourceful. Interesting you should choose me, since I am family-free.

After my mother’s death, I have no-one. I know you like birds, but what else

Do you like? “I love my mum Yasmin, I like school, I like the metro, I like

Nature, and I like coffee.” “So sorry, can I get you coffee or would you like

Lunch?” “Both, please.” He laughed and took her order. “I thought you might

Know this place given your interest in birds?” “No, it’s my first time here.”

“Why?” “I like birds because they are wild. I like their nesting, their breeding, their

Flying, their fighting, their migration, their freedom, but here they are caged

Or let fly within a huge net.” “Does the net offend you?” “It is somebody’s guage

Of beauty, but nobody asked the birds.” “I am part of the net around our country

A system of control that you may hate.” “Why do we need controlled?” “Capital,

The power of wealth, wants to rule by turning people into consumers of all

It sells, regardless of truth, justice or goodness. Our laws try to protect you.”

“But did I ask for that?” “It’s like vaccination against germs that might infect you.”

“Such as?” “Have you looked at the social media of the West?” “Yes.” “And?”

“It’s girls my age learning to be whores.” “Do you want that here?” “Aren’t

Parents enough?” “Not in Europe or the USA.” “How many people

Have you killed?” “None who were not trying to kill me.” “I want to keep you,

I want to like you, I want you for my uncle, you have been so patient

With me, but I have to be myself. I’m sorry for the lie I created

About you when I felt at risk, especially when you are fighting

A war.” “If I were your real uncle, I would be proud of your rightness

As a woman and a citizen. Can I be your unofficial uncle?” “I don’t

Know how to kiss a man with a beard, here is my hand.” He holds

It in two of his. “But it must be secret, no more using my name.

Ever.” “I will tell my mum.” “And she will know the rules of the game.

 Sometime I will meet her and tell her she is a good parent.” “This

Will be good for me.” “Inshallah,” he says, “and for me. If you wish

To contact me, use the text number you’ll find on your phone. I can’t

Be seen giving you a lift, but my guard, who is outside, a nice man,

Will take you anywhere.” “Oh fun!” she says, “May your hand not hurt,

God be with you!” “And with you,” he replies, kissing her forehead.