Hayat Ullah Rahmatzai

I grew up in Afghanistan and moved to Dubai at the age of 14, when my father told me it was time to work in the family textile business. When I left my home for the big city of Dubai, most children were still at home playing at my age.

I went to school in Afghanistan during the Taliban government rule. My story is about our struggle as we grew up with threats everywhere.

Throughout all of the turmoil, fighting, school, and family life, And my friendship with Juma.

My story is about life in a small village, the American military entering Afghanistan, and how my family strived for a safe life.

I wrote this book during Ramadan 2015. My American friend was at home in Dubai recovering from a terrible accident. One night before Ramadan began, we were arguing on the phone. She told me she was happy Ramadan was here because I would be busy and she could have a 30 day holiday without Hayat bothering her. I asked her what she was going to do, and she said, "I guess I will write a book". Just to annoy her, I said, I am going to write a book too!"

Every night after Iftar, as I sat in my textiles shop, sitting on the floor, I wrote on WhatsApp.

Then I would send the WhatsApp messages each night to my friend Leslie. She had to email these WhatsApp messages to herself, and convert to a Word document.

She complained every day. She had lost the use of her right arm and was doing everything with her left hand.

We argued. We discussed my stories.

Within 2 months we had connected with Stephanie to do the professional editing.

Eid is the day I wanted my book published. Eid al Fitr, the day after Ramadan, was when my first draft was finished in 2015.