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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Allah favored Amina. Fatima was a vivacious and pretty young woman from a poor family. Her job as a servant to Amina brought her close, much closer to a better life. A formal education would not be an option for her. However, she did her best to educate herself like her mistress.  Outside of work, … Continue reading Day 14 →