How many mistakes were still undiscovered? he wondered. This blind force driving you will soon bare you before the whole world. You will stand naked, just as you were born. Just as your mother delivered you into this world. Your mother, the real killer! Khalil had snored, just as she had done on her last night. He noticed one of the residents smiling at him, as though he were reading his thoughts. The lounge became unbearable. He walked out of the hotel and was greeted by the singing of the beggar. How repulsive he looks. Maybe he’s happy just singing away all day and every day. Sawi, the doorman, going up to the apartment on the roof. Knocking on the bedroom door.

“Mr. Khalil! Wake up! Wake up! Mr. Khalil, it’s almost eight o’clock. Mr. Khalil! Mr. Khalil!” He pushes the door open and looks carefully in. “Mr. Khalil,” quietly. Then: “Oh my God! Mr. Khalil! Master! Master! Help! Help! Aly! Aly! Help! Mr. Khalil has been murdered! Police! Police! Help!”

My mother disappeared, never to be found by my father. My father disappeared, never to be found by me. Maybe I can also disappear. Just vanish without a trace. Then sometime, somewhere, Karima will be in my arms, the promises of a comfortable, happy, secure life finally fulfilled.

He walked, not seeing anyone, not hearing anyone. Just walked, occasionally sitting down at a café for a brief rest. But for him there could be no rest. He passed by the High Court building. Dark clouds were passing overhead. Clouds, reminiscent of Alexandria.

He must see Elham. Toward the late afternoon he headed for the café, their usual meeting place. It looked strange to him today. Everything was strange today. He felt a sudden mad urge to confess everything. The truth! For once!

She looked at him reproachfully. “Why should I greet you if you’ve been avoiding me?” she said, looking at him with her deep blue eyes, pretending to be cross. She sat down, staring at him uncomprehendingly. “And you’re not even talking,” she continued.

“I’m sorry, Elham. I was very busy and completely exhausted.”

“Not even a call on the telephone?”

“Not even. Let’s not discuss this now. Let me just look at you.”

They were silent. Just sitting there looking at each other. The beggar’s chant ringing in his ears. Why did he insist on meeting her? Maybe their meeting was a temporary shelter from the storm that was about to break. She’s smiling even though she shook my bloodied hand! He felt tears creeping into his eyes. The farewell tears.

“You look exhausted.”

“I’ve seen him,” he said quietly, almost in a whisper.

Her eyes widened. “Your brother?”

“Sayed. Sayed el-Reheimy.”

“Then your mission is over?” she cried, overjoyed.

He recounted the story wearily.

“There is a possibility that it’s him,” she said hopefully.

“And also that it isn’t,” he retorted.