Bright, hot, sunny day. At the crest of a small hill, looking down a path. A woman, hard to tell her age, neither young girl nor old woman, slowly crests the small hill pushing a rusty wheel barrow. She fights to keep it balanced and struggles against the weight. She is filthy. Her long hair … Continue reading The Sea
Epilogue
The word anti-climatic seemed too tiny a word to describe what he was living and feeling at the moment. Depending on which part of the last week he thought about he would either smile, or laugh or cry. He missed Amina. At the same time he hoped for her happiness. He noticed that he had … Continue reading Epilogue
Day 22
Do you have my journals? I don't have them but I can get them. I wouldn't blame you for not trusting me. Would you give them to me? I want something in return. Her face suddenly turned harsh. How much do you want? she growled. He laughed a little. Your Spanx bank is safe. I … Continue reading Day 22
Day 21
As he shaved and showered he could hear the music. When he stepped out of the bathroom, his first impression was that she was still dancing. Which she was but the lights were turned down. This was a large room, not luxurious, but large enough to have a separate sitting and sleeping area. There was … Continue reading Day 21
Day 20
Brian and Amina had recently seen death up close and personal. Both had concerns about their life and future. But to see them step off the train no one would suspect they were fugitives hiding dark secrets. As planned as, soon as the train stopped they got off separately and went in similar directions but … Continue reading Day 20
Day 19
Amina was a spectacle. He could find no other word. Not for want of trying. The first night they were together, he awoke first and found her curled tightly against his back like a child seeking the warmth of a parent. He could not stand to sit in the hotel room. He wanted to be … Continue reading Day 19
Day 18
How bizarre is Brian and Amina's situation! Each one had a problem they needed, or believed they needed to solve. The solution was in the hands of the person sitting adjacent. Brian was emotionally tied to finding out more about the journals and he was running out of money. Amina had money on her, literally. … Continue reading Day 18
Day 17
Moroccan men are known to have very strong feelings about their family. As young men, their hormones drive them like they do men from any other country. But the tapestry of their lives has a very strong traditional weft that includes caring for wife and children. The drive to succeed so they can provide for … Continue reading Day 17
Day 16
Fatimah just bowed her head and wept softly. What was she to do? She did not speak Italian. She had no money to speak of and no credit cards. She was a simple girl from Morocco that landed a great opportunity. Her second conversation with Katya is what kicked off the water works. You fool. … Continue reading Day 16
Day 15
As soon as they secured the ride on the boat full of tourists, Amina removed her head covering. She did her best to blend in. She stayed close to Brian. Some people thought they were married. Others that they were lovers. Neither of them did anything to discourage the idea. Brian thought only of getting … Continue reading Day 15