God’s WillBoth his sons were balding and plump. Why is it I never noticed how much they’ve aged? Hag Adel asked himself as he sat up on his bed. He then wondered, Might they look younger if there was more life in them? They are so wooden.
The two men stood facing him, their eyes wandering towards the door.
‘They should leave since they cannot hide their desire to be gone,’ he grumbled, loud enough for them to hear.
His sons cast each other a sidelong glance.
Safeya lingered, going through the pretence of tidying up her father’s room.
Avoiding his father’s gaze, Amr, the older of the two brothers, finally said, ‘This isn’t an old man’s game.’
‘Nonsense! If ever there was an old man’s game, this is it. Old men have nothing to lose. You’re afraid. Shame on you!’
‘We’re not afraid,’ Hus
