The entire National Assembly exploded into bedlam— all except Khalid al-Khan. He could not have been more pleased, although he fought hard not to show it. With the death of Kamal Salaam, Ahmed Kalir was by far the most powerful secular politician in Egypt—he was as influential and respected as al-Khan was feared. With him withdrawing his name from nomination, the road was clear for al- Khan to be elected the next president of Egypt.

And at that, Kalir looked directly at al-Khan and nodded. What was going on?

“I wish to place my support and prayers for my choice as candidate for president, the one person in all of Egypt who has the moral strength, intelligence, and vision to lead our nation forward out of this crisis and toward the peace and security we all seek,” Kalir said. Was Kalir actually endorsing him for president? al-Khan thought. This was too good to be true! “With the blessings of Allah and the hopes and prayers of a nation, I place into nomination today the next president of Egypt. .. our first lady of Egypt, Madame Susan Bailey Salaam.”

Khan was already placing his hands on his left breast, feigning surprise at this unexpected endorsement, when he gasped in total shock. Susan Salaam was alive?

And then he noticed Kalir looking directly at al-Khan, the accusation obvious in his face. Al-Khan had to fight to erase his surprised expression. It was a test, a stupid trick, nothing more.

And then, to al-Khan’s complete surprise, Susan Salaam walked out on stage, and then there was no doubt. The entire People’s Assembly fairly leapt to their feet and applauded, some even cheering and stamping their feet.

Susan Salaam walked gingerly, as if still in pain, but she did so without using crutches or a walker, just a simple wooden cane with a large, wide crook supporting her left leg. She wore an eye patch on her left eye, and the hairline on the left side of her head was higher than on the right, indicating she had lost some hair or sustained a head injury.

Her hands were marred with cuts and burns; her arms and torso were covered by simple, unadorned clothing, but the burns definitely appeared to extend down her arms.

But her natural beauty was still striking, still breathtaking. Susan made no attempt to hide any of her wounds with makeup, which enhanced her beauty, her sense of pride—and her pain—even more. She embraced Ahmed Kalir and then stepped to the podium, waving to the assembly. Yes, even al-Khan had to admit, she was still beautiful, achingly so.