This is a short horror story that I wrote when visiting Bahrain in late 2019-early 2020. It's inspired by the folklore surrounding the island's Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Hayat), a symbol of the power of nature in the middle of a vast, scorching desert. Some say the tree stands at the center of what used to be the Garden of Eden. True or not, the place is a vital part of the islander's collective cultural identity. Research has confirmed that the tree is indeed centuries old, but still its water source is unknown. It's considered a magical place that attracts jinns, spirits and witches. In other words, its the perfect locale for a love-turned-horror story.
Me at the site of the Tree of Life at sunset. January 2020.