Were they Open or Closed?

Greetings,

Now it happened one Sunday, when the streets were dead quiet, because everyone had disappeared to vote for someone special, he was waiting for some friends along the main artery. The area was filled with locked and shuttered stores; watches, clothing, money changers and stuff.

Five women in amazing, colorful, shimmering, flowing fabrics like red, green and sea blue, moved along shiny plate glass windows. They stayed close to each other like sisters. They all had dark skin, sharp noses, deep black eyes and long hidden hair inside bright head scarves dancing, reflecting silver. They jabbered in a strange tongue and he surmised they might be from Kurdistan.

Three of them gathered in front of a men's clothing store to have their picture taken with a male mannequin. The white dummy wore a dark pin stripped suit.

One tall woman stepped back and using a small point-n-shoot digital camera made an image of her friends as they laughed. One didn't smile because she was sad, serious and a long way from home.

When she finished she turned and he gestured to her asking if she wanted him to make a picture of their group.

"Yes," she said, in impeccable English. "Please."
"Ok," he said, "ask your friends to stand over here," pointing to a wide area where full trees would create a peaceful background.

She spoke to her friends and they formed a small group. Two of them were shy and tried to hide behind flowing skirts. He gently coaxed them out, into the frame and made two images.

As he handed her the camera he asked, "where are you from?"
"We are from Kabul."
"Great! Why are you here?"
"We are doctors. We have been attending seminars and will return home this week."
"Are you all from Kabul?"
"No," she said gesturing to the women hiding behind their sisters, "they are from distant provinces."

"I see. How is the medical situation now in Afghanistan? Do you have enough medicine?"
"It changes. We are fortunate to receive medicine from various international aid agencies. Our hospitals need more equipment. It's a struggle at times, especially outside the capital."

"How are the children doing in your country? Are they receiving medical care and enough food? Can they go to school?
"We are doing our best to take care of the children."
"I wish you well in the future, knowing you face large responsibilities" he said. "It was nice meeting you."
"Thank you," she replied, smiling. "Good-bye," and she rejoined her friends as they walked away, passing shops, talking.

Later, when he retold this encounter to someone she asked him, "Were they open or closed?" referring to veils.

"They were open."

Peace.