we were still awake when the cease-fire was supposed to take effect. 3 a.m. There were alarms, some cluster bombs and it was possible we would have a pause.  Then we slept – deeply.  I dreamt that people who were long dead were still alive and rejoicing with me in an elegant bar.  I kept forgetting where I left my purse and didn’t care.

Is it possible our neighbors will begin to accept our existence and we can stop fighting?  Is it possible for all of us to recover from this horrific loss of life, of culture, of civilization?  I believe in Iran’s culture and our ability to rise above hatred and fear. I believe that the desire for life is more powerful than the desire for death.