Dear Diary,
Life in Kabul just isn't the same anymore. I am so sad. My brother has left for Iran to make a better life and I have not heard from him. Is he even alive? I miss my dad so much. It hasn't been the same since he was killed by a landmine. Living with my grandparents isn't much fun. They are old and don't like my mother very much. It makes me feel uncomfortable.
Dear Diary,
I am going crazy not being allowed outside because I am a girl. My grandfather is too old to support the family so we have to come up with something. One solution would be for me to dress up like a boy.
I could go to market and work as a tea boy. That way I could make money & buy supplies.
SHAUZIA'S JOURNAL
Dear Diary,
I finally did it! I am working in the market as a tea boy. I don't make much money, but it is a start. It is nice to have a break from home. I love the sense of freedom & adventure. It is still lonely not being able to tell anyone my secret.
Dear Diary,
I am so excited. Today I met an old friend. Her name is Parvana and I used to go to school with her. She is dressed like a boy too. I finally have someone to share my worries with.
Dear Diary,
I have told Parvana my dream of leaving Afghanistan and making it to Paris. I won't have enough money to help my family & save for my trip so I need to come up with a plan.
Dear Diary,
I have convinced Parvana to dig up bones with me in the graveyard. We can make more money. I'll be able to buy a tray to sell more goods at the market and save for my escape. It is creepy & dangerous, but it gives me hope.
Dear Diary,
Things keep changing here in Kabul I am getting older. My grandfather wants to marry me off. I crave my freedom. I have to try to leave Afghanistan soon. Parvana's father is home from jail. They are going to travel to Mazar-e-Sharif to find the rest of their family. I feel like my time here in Kabul is coming to an end. Who knows maybe the next time I write I will be writing from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
Shauzia grew up in Afghanistan during the Taliban rule. She went to school with Parvana before the Taliban took over. She has agreed to share a few journal entries she wrote during that time. I think it will give you an idea of some of the conflicts families faced in the 1990's under Taliban rule.