Shadows Burning Bright

Outside, an unrelenting sun hurls daylight at the communal farmstead. Parched garden soil cracks and crumbles. Inside the main house, windows darkened by layers of aluminum foil, a single candle illuminates a circle of sweating faces. Those gathered toast the day with cups of tepid recycled water.

Outside, feeble crops wilt and wither. Inside, families celebrate a young life with slices of date cake. They cool themselves with paper fans and sing Happy Birthday.

It is uncomfortably hot everywhere, even indoors. Yet warmth of a different kind also fills this house. And, for just one moment, it's very comfortable indeed.