dedication

To my wife and son, who inspire me to be a better person and writer. “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” (Michael J. Fox)

—Morten Barklund

To my grandfather, Khalit Khamitov. Thank you for being such a kind and just person. You will always stay in my memory, along with the crafts you taught me, the trips we took to the dacha, and the chess games we played.

—Azat Mardan