The “Astrology” section wasn’t just a page in our newspaper where we submitted questions to the editor of the “Reader’s Post” section; I was convinced, more than anyone else, that astrology had a real impact on our lives, our relationships, and our destinies. I frequently read astrological texts, trying to understand their movements, the way they intertwine, how they affect us, and how they turn against us. I was fascinated by their apparent neutrality and their sudden, disruptive influence on our lives. “Captivating Wars” was one of the most successful short story collections, receiving numerous reviews, articles, and studies, and winning the Yusuf Idris Short Story Award. Critics hailed it as one of the peaks of Egyptian and Arabic short story writing. The “Banipal” magazine translated some of its stories into English and Spanish, describing them as “unforgettable.”