“What a crazy summer it has been!”
“It would have been crazier had we been here!”
“Speak for yourself. Being here is all I wanted!... It was just so… I cannot
find the words.”
“You should see your face as you talk about this.”
“It’s best that I don’t! So who’s back?”
“You’re not going to believe it. Matthew, Pam, Gloria, Margret, John…”
“Oh my! Everyone returned! I should have asked about who left then!”
“Well, some did. Basically people with young children. But otherwise the
rest of them are back – the expats I know.”
“Good to hear then!”
“Well, think of the bright side. If all of this did not happen, you wouldn’t
have been writing your book.”
“Well, believe it or not: I’d rather for all of this not to have happened than for
me to write my book. I am not one of those tormented artists. All I want is for
Lebanese people to have a normal life. A quiet normal life. It seems too much
to ask!”
“Did you drop by Hassan? He’s back too!”
“I went to his office but he wasn’t there.”
“Sorry to cut you loose now, but I have work to do as I just returned. We’ll
meet soon over drinks at my terrace with the whole gang. Just like before.”
“Yes, just like before. Bye for now. Oh – can you give me Matthew’s mobile.
I’d like to call and say “Hamdellah a’asalameh!”” (May we thank God for
the safety)
“I recall you two had lunch once. There it is 03…”
“Thanks. Bye!”