Summary

Chapter 11 returns to Nabil, who is living in Damascus, Syria with his family in 2006. At an internet cafe, he writes Rick an email asking for help with work as a translator in Syria. Nabil has struggled to find work because Iraqi refugees cannot legally work in Syria. Nabil meets a Dutch man named Liam in the internet cafe after Liam asks Nabil for help with his Arabic. Nabil goes home with Liam and they end up sleeping together. As Nabil goes back to Liam’s apartment, which is not far from the Internet cafe, he looks around anxiously, hoping no one notices them going back to the apartment together. Inside Liam’s apartment, Nabil begins to shake. Liam compliment’s Nabil’s beautiful eyelashes. After they have intercourse, Nabil sobs while Liam holds him. They agree to meet again to study.

Nabil’s family...