I was nineteen and worked for an electronics and electronic warfare company in test and development as a senior technician. Uni was not for me. At the local technical college, I got an HNC in electronics and carried on with an Open University degree whils...
My time with Joan had steadied me and I made it through the rest of the term and my mock exams. One of my more perceptive pals at college said, “Pete, you seem much happier and relaxed. That awful look in your eyes has gone. What happened?” “It’s OK,” I s...
I am a semi-retired industrial scientist with tertiary-level teaching experience. My wife died a few years back. With time on my hands, I do some consultancy, take part in hobby activities, and socialise. In late August two years ago, I was in our pub on...
I flew to London in business class looking like the spoiled daughter of a local wealthy sheikh. Mother saw me off at the airport. Departing in my abaya and hijab, I was told, once airborne, to change into Western clothes in the toilet before the aircraft...
Training continued. They made me rehearse my activities in enormous detail. I acted out so many scenarios with the actors that might occur when I met the target. The wonderful release offered by my time with Nasrah helped me deal with the burden of it. My...
I went to the sailing club, there was a stiff breeze blowing, just right. I had a look around and asked if anyone wanted to go for a sail. The socialites were looking at their nails and expensive shoes; they were not going anywhere near a boat. A fifteen-...
It was my turn to tell Nasrah about my life. So I went into detail about our carefree but disciplined life at home. I described how my mother enforced her will with the cane when necessary. My taking responsibility for disciplining Salma did not appear to...
We caught up with Mother early on Thursday afternoon. Salma and I were in our sitting room looking at one of the latest videos when she came in. Mother said, “Are you busy now? I’ve got some time free.” Salma and I looked at each other, nodded, and smiled...
