34Dr. Withers slipped off to take a nap and others scattered, taking advantage of the slowdown in project activities. Tarik approached and seemed beside himself. Always friendly, Chione welcomed the camaraderie of this young boy, though she did not understand why. She had never felt close to any child. They stepped into the deserted inventory tent and sat at a workbench.
“Jibade make Aaron wear Egyptian clothes,” Tarik said, smirking and hunching his shoulders. “Gallibaya, turban.”
“Why would my dad make him do that?”
“To hide. Jibade say, because of media.” The boy seemed to have much to say and could not relate everything at once. “They go see Amunet, below.” He gestured in the direction of the beggars' camp.
“Amunet?”
“A magic woman. That how you say?”
“He wore a cover-up to see a
