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“He may come from privilege, but he understands things must change.” He looked back at Nouri. “And you are correct. I, too, am from a family of means. My father works for the government.” He turned back to the others. “If you honor me with your trust, you must honor Nouri as well. We must work together to destroy the evil and repression caused by the shah. We must bring freedom to our people. Of course we cherish our Islamic traditions, just as we cherish our Persian culture. Whether we are mullahs or Marxists, engineers or workers, rich or poor, we want the same thing.”
    His speech seemed to mollify the students, and the bickering subsided. They changed subjects and started to discuss plans for the spring, when Iranian students from all over the Midwest would converge on Daley Plaza for a massive protest. Some students were told to organize campus demonstrations, others to write speeches, and still others to distribute leaflets. Finally, the meeting ended, the participants exhausted but fueled with fervor.
    When he arrived back home, Nouri told Anna about the meeting. “I still have no idea how they knew about my family.”
    “Perhaps they are better organized than you thought.”
    “But still…”
    “It isn’t unusual. If I were studying abroad, I’d check out any Americans I ran across. You know, ask around.”
    “But who? Who would have that information?”
    “It could come from anywhere. Maybe one of them works in the university’s admissions department. Or maybe someone recognized your last name.” She frowned. “Is your father well known?”
    Nouri shrugged and changed the subject. “What do you think about the protest? Should I do it?”
    He was surprised by her response. “Of course you must. And I’ll help.”
    Nouri gazed at her.
    “You seem surprised. Did you think I wouldn’t support you?”
    Maybe he didn’t know her as well as he thought. “I…I wasn’t sure.” He paused. “Do you really think it’s okay to oppose the shah so…so openly? What if it causes problems back in Iran?”
    “Nouri, sometimes there is no choice. You have to do what you think is right. I’m proud of you.” Anna beamed. “You know, if the group needs a place to meet, you can use the apartment.”
    “Really?”
    She laughed. “Tell them it’s their safe house.”
    Nouri gathered Anna in his arms, aware of how much he loved her. And needed her. He pressed against her. He wanted her. Right then. Right there. He was just about to lift off her sweater when she whispered.
    “There is something we need to talk about.”
    Nouri was still kissing her neck. “Your skin tastes so sweet.”
    “No, really.” She pushed him away. Just a little, but it was enough. Frustration spilled over him. “What is it?”
    “We need to make a few changes.” Anna needed help around the apartment, she said. She could not do all the housework and still have time to study. She would cook and shop and clean the kitchen, but he would have to do the laundry and clean the rest of the apartment.
    “Is that all?” Relief coursed through him. “You are becoming a liberated woman,” he joked.
    She peered at him as if she didn’t see the punch line. “Liberated or not, I’m exhausted. Even my father commented on how washed out I look. I just can’t do it all.” She hesitated. “If I didn’t have so much work for school it would be different. I would be happy to cook and clean and make our house…,” she motioned with her hand, “…the perfect refuge. But right now…it’s just too much.”
    Nouri tilted his head. When they first met, her only goal was to please him. Nothing was too small or troublesome. Since she’d returned from Maryland, however, a subtle change had come over her. She wasn’t as subservient. Plus, the apartment, which she’d always kept compulsively neat, was less so. Nouri decided he didn’t mind if it made her feel and look better. Tonight, in fact, she did. With her bright eyes, her hair