Marking Time

In the afterglow of the 2000 Olympics, Hal Fleming decides to take a year off rather than go to the university with his classmates. He meets the torch girl, an Afghani refugee.

Hal finds he is falling in love with Randa; Hal's father is to get married; Hal and Randa enjoy their relationship despite impending issues.

Hal's relationship becomes more intimate with Randa and he introduces her to the Brackley crowd. The message of tolerance and welcome of the Olympic Games fades as its first anniversary approaches.

September 11 changes Brackley; Hal and Randa are forbidden to see each other; Randa faces the threat of deportation; Hal finds he is a stranger in his own country.