War came to Egypt sooner than I had expected. I’d wired my family in the first days of the war to let them know that I was safe and I was needed by the household in Egypt. This was untrue, but I’d made up my mind to stay in Egypt nonetheless. Mr. Brandt had me cut back on staff and their hours. With Mrs. Brandt and Sven not returning, less household help was needed, but decreasing his staff was more a matter of safety. “War brings out the worst in some, that goes without saying, but you never know who it will turn, and how.”
Sitto rang the bell of the villa one morning. I hadn’t seen her since Marta had been relocated. “Sitto!” I greeted her as though she were a beloved old friend.
“Miss.” She bowed slightly, seeming stiff, almost formal. I offered her tea and she declined. “There is so
