“Mgrdich? Of course. He’s a legend.”
“A legend?” Loucia hoots and the unmistakable sound of a button popping off and rolling across the floor accompanies another creak as she rocks back on her heels. “I like that. A living legend. Anyway, some friends of mine will come and see you and I’d appreciate you helping them out in a small way now and then. You know, food, shelter, arms.” She hoots again. “Only joking!” She envelops Khatoun in a hug, leans into her ear and whispers. “You can die in a storm or you can step outside and pin down the tent before the storm takes it.” She kisses her sister-in-law on the forehead and puts her finger to her lips. “And when people ask you – you haven’t seen me. Ever.”
The children have been waiting in the hallway, hanging about on the staircase, and the c
