Читать книгу Living without Justice - Loren R. Fisher - Страница 11

During our evening meal, father said, “Today I received another letter from Abdi-anati. Naam, you will be interested in knowing that he is bringing his wife and both daughters. He has also been corresponding with Sheva, as the head of the academy, about this trip. Sarah and Sheva have invited Abdi-anati and his family to stay at their estate, which as you know is next to Tamar and Khety’s place. Also, Keziah, you will not have to make room for them here.”

“That does call for some big changes,” said mother. “But we will still have them for some meals, and I should talk with Sarah. We will probably do something at their country place.”

“Changes indeed,” I said. “I was going over to Tamar and Khety’s after dinner to ask them if I could meet Sharmila and her father at their place before they arrived in Jerusalem. Since both places are side by side, I could still meet the family when they reach Sheva and Sarah’s.”

“You seem to be anxious,” father said.

Mother’s comment was, “Jonathan, you know he is anxious. Naam, you should go on over to see Tamar and Khety. Elissa and Ruth, your dear sisters, will take on your after-dinner chores this evening. I can see that everyone is getting involved in this visit.”

I left at once. I knew that the girls would complain about the extra work but not for long.

I ran across the street to Tamar and Khety’s house. Khety greeted me with a cup of wine and said, “Sit down here at the table. We have finished eating, but we are still enjoying our wine.”

As I sat down Tamar said, “Khety told me about your request, and we want you to know that you are more than welcome to go out to the house to meet Sharmila and her father.”

“I thank you. I want to do this, but I have to tell you the situation is going to be different from what I thought. Father just told us that according to a letter he received today, Abdi-anati is bringing his wife and both girls. They have accepted an invitation from Sheva and Sarah to stay at their estate. I would still like to go to your place and wait for them. I can help them get settled at Sheva and Sarah’s.”

“That would be fine, said Tamar. “In addition, I think we should plan a party at our place while they are here. There is enough room with both houses for all of us to stay over night. I will have to talk with Keziah and Sarah. We will make some plans.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

Then Khety inquired, “Naam, do you remember Sharmila’s sister’s name? Their mother’s name is Pidray.”

“Her name is Huraya, but when we were there I did not get to talk with her. She is younger than Sharmila. She will be able to have a good time with my sisters. Elissa is now sixteen; Ruth is thirteen; and I think Huraya is also sixteen”

“But if Huraya spends her time with your sisters, Sharmila will be all alone,” Khety said.

“She won’t be alone. But the question is: can we be alone?”

I finished my wine, and I left after a few moments. As I was leaving, Khety reminded me to bring my translation of The Enchanted Prince to his office.

“I will bring it in the morning,” I said. “See you then.”

With that we said good night.