Years ago, I had two twins, but being only 16, I gave them up for adoption. Before they left, however, I named them, and promised that I would find them when I was older. And so it was that Ahmal and Juan went off on their own ways.

Years passed, and finally I was 25, old enough, in my eyes, to face my children again. I went to visit the family that had adopted Juan. It was wonderful seeing my boy again, and hearing of his life.

I went home that night, however, sad and dismayed.

“What’s wrong?” my husband asked.

“Ahmal’s off in college in Egypt. I won’t be able to see him until he comes home in three years.”

“So? Write to him. Be pen pals till then!”

“But I want to see him! To look at his face!”

“They’re twins! If you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Ahmal.”