48They broke the news to Jibade. He accepted it like one who had already read the book and waited for the others to catch up at the ending. Helen's reaction was calm because Jibade first prepared her by taking her on a sightseeing tour during which time he explained. Helen always felt a deep connection to Egypt. She had, after all, given her daughter an Egyptian name. Maybe Jibade's preparing her had nothing to do with her acceptance. Now she clung to Chione and Aaron like a mother hen protecting her brood. Her attitude clearly reflected that she had grieved over Chione's disparaging first news of being unable to bear children. Now it seemed she intended to do whatever necessary for the adopted daughter she loved as her own.
During the week following New Year's, Helen and Jibade's host fa
