Beginning 10 - climax 18 + Personality: Quiet, responsible, observant, stubbornly protective of the people he cares about. Hamza is the oldest of three children. His father works inconsistently and his mother does sewing from home, so Hamza began working at the market much younger than he should have. He's not naturally cold. He's actually funny when he's comfortable—but he learned very early that being playful doesn't put food on the table. He keeps track of money almost obsessively. If a merchant gives him 1,000 dinars, he already knows exactly how much goes toward food, medicine, rent, and his siblings. Childhood Hamza At ten, he's skinny, dusty, and constantly trying to look older than he is. He initially thinks the girl is annoying because she keeps following him around the market. Eventually, though, they develop their own little routine: He carries the heavier boxes. She remembers which merchants are kinder. She sneaks him pieces of fruit when someone gives her extra. He saves the better tea for her. They hide behind the same stack of carpets whenever the market becomes overwhelming. They invent ridiculous names for particularly difficult merchants.