The heat was constant in Cairo. I had been told that I would get used to it but it had been months and I had not adjusted. It had been two weeks since the incident and Marta had recovered physically, but when she stood and moved, it was as though she were somewhere else, her body a kind of stiff costume.
One morning, I was filling out the calendar on the small table outside Mr. Brandt’s office. “I’ve taken your advice.” He startled me and I jumped, banged my knee on one of the table legs. “I’m sorry,” he said without looking at me.
“No, no.” I stood. “What advice, sir?”
He looked out the window into the courtyard. “To have Marta relocated to our residence in Alexandria.”
“Good. I’ll ensure that she’s ready to travel.”
Mr. Brandt turned from the window and looked at me briefly before
