When I was given this assignment the idea felt hollow. Who would want to read about how other folks think they would celebrate Eid al-Fitr, during the pandemic, and days before the actual event?

Who am I to question?

The idea had too many gaps. Asking strangers who are all in the same situation about how they think they would celebrate an Eid the likes no one has ever experienced before had too many variables. Especially when the editorials want it fast.

The solution, to me, was to find interesting people in extraordinary circumstances.

My first idea was to interview one of my grandaunts who live nearby. She has lots of kids who would come back from the big city every Eid. Her modest one-story house would be flanked and dwarfed by SUVs and luxury cars when they are home.

But, I decided not to interview her. First, I always find that interviewing family or someone I know well is awkward. Second, taking their photos myself makes it more awkward. Third, I would rather save her story for myself.

Next, three names popped into mind. The same three that are featured in this story.

I knew Emman from covering MYPW and I knew Suraya and Hanie from the days when I haunted art and comic conventions.

I hope you could see from the story why I picked them. I wish I could have included their work in the story, but the best I could do was sneak in their Instagram handles.