Grew up in Chicago, eldest daughter of Moroccan immigrants
Largely uneventful childhood, though she was an overachiever at school
Originally intended to attend UChicago but got an opportunity to study computer science at the University of Cambridge in the UK and took that instead
Became a non-practicing Muslim at school for a variety of reasons
Met Michael Taylor her junior year and began dating him, the only serious relationship she's ever had
Moved to London with Michael upon graduation and began working for a tech start up as a software engineer
Got engaged to Michael around 25
The wedding was supposed to be last year; she realized the day of that she was following the script of getting married and eventually having children more so so than actually wanting it, and that she didn't love Michael enough to spend the rest of her life with him; left him at the altar
Took advantage of her company's “work anywhere” policy and moved home to Chicago to start over
Temporarily living in her family home while she figures things out, though she rents a co-working space to do her job in peace; hasn't thought to contact any of her old friends since her plate is so full