Paper Cup

Head tilted back, mouth open as wide as possible, glazed eyes full of "get me out of here" screams. I tossed the green wrapped candy bar on their mat and headed off to mine. All of a sudden I heard rolls of laughter encircling me. Just as I turned around a green wrapped candy bar was flying through the air at me.

His head still tilted back screaming; he managed a throw that would have probably nicked the Jamrah if he was stoning. He had thrown it with such determination you could almost have heard the little wrapper screaming, you can't buy me with this, I'm not that easy. Picking up the catapulted candy bar I fell back on my mat doubled up in laughter.

But for now his little body was sleeping peacefully. As though you felt like a liar even remembering what he may look like in another two hours. His mother looked exhausted, even asleep. These are people you must make prayers for, asking Allah the Most Merciful to make it easy for them, and at the same time thanking Allah, The Most Gracious, for not being in their situation.

Iglag had already made it to the tent opening before me. Motioning me on with her head I made my last climb through the slippers by the tent entrance. Pushing back the creamy thick canvas opening I surveyed the smells of the morning air of Mina.