"A Handful of Dates"

A Handful of Dates tells the tale of a young boy who is thrust from the innocence of childhood into a painful reality. When the story begins, the child describes his love and admiration for his grandfather, who he considers a role model and mentor. Eventually, the boy learns much about his grandfather’s success as a very wealthy landowner. Some of his vast properties include those acquired from an immature neighbour who squandered his inheritance away. One day, the neighbour, Masood, announces that he will be harvesting the dates from his remaining parcel of land. The grandfather seizes the opportunity to collect additional debts owed to him. This greedy and callous behaviour deeply upsets the grandson, who ironically discovers that he has more in common with Masood than his selfish and cold-hearted grandfather who he once adored.