Merlin? That was an unfortunate name. But then again, Fatima wasn't really in a position to judge. Having her name in an all-white middle school during 2001 hadn't exactly been a picnic.

She gave him a grimace of sympathy. They could start a club. The 'weird name' club. Or something.

"Fatima," she said. "Fatima Merali." She always said her name as if it ought to mean something. And it did mean something. Just not here. Not with these people. Which was a weird sort of truth she was having a hard time wrestling with.

Add that to the list.

"You have a weird life?" Better to focus the conversation on him. It kept her from getting too introspective.