To my father, my favorite librarian, wish this book could have made it to your shelf; to my mother, with heartfelt gratitude. To my wife Angela, and to our “three little birds each by my doorstep,“ Hala, Leila, and Zayd, thank you for your love and patience.

— Hazim

To my wife, Silvija, for all her patience and understanding along the way

— Bil

To Sofía, Luca, and Verónica, with all my <3! /smiles and waves/

— Carlos