My Black Baaftani Jacket

On September 8, 2001, when the summer had just ended and the cold wind was slowly emerging, I bought a black baaftani jacket.

It felt so nice to wear a new and warm jacket from the onset of fall...a fresh way to invite fall into life. Like saying, "Hello, welcome back. I am ready to greet you because I will be warm in this jacket."

That night, we went to the beach and celebrated his birthday. We went up a roller coaster and a charkh-o-falak even though he was scared of heights. He was so scared he would close his eyes when we got up there. I think I even remember him wearing this red short-sleeved checkered shirt.

For the past 6 years, I have always identified my black baftani jacket with him and his smile.

Tomorrow is his birthday again.

My black baftani jacket is old but still keeps me warm.

"it's all about memories..." he would always say.