Chapter 6

It is astonishing how life always finds a way to become melodrama. What could appear more ordinary and peaceful than a married couple of many years taking a trip out of town? Yet somehow the wife’s lover attaches himself to them. A man who despises their success. A man eager to trample every bright thing they possess beneath filthy boots.

And so, the Story continues.

The necessary people were contacted. The proper arrangements were made. Omar received a week’s leave after Balkhi promised to come in outside his own hours and clean Omar’s assigned area.

Our antihero continues successfully avoiding punishment and even receiving help from the people whose enemy he is. Unfair, yes. But the Story moves forward.

Objectivity does not exist at all. Justice is the work of human hands: imperfect, unstable, subjective ... And perhaps Annette and Yuri will become stronger through all this? To become strong, after all, one must not avoid the lessons and trials sent by one’s enemies.

Our inseparable trio traveled not by road but by air, to Riverton. Annette chose the city. She did not tell her husband, but Omar was a large part of the reason. She wanted the old man to visit its mosques and spend time in an old Muslim quarter, a place closer to his faith.

Yuri began his campaign of cruelty as soon as they arrived. He booked the finest hotel room for himself and his wife and put Omar in the worst one, saying:

“Anna and I will go sightseeing. You would probably rather spend your time at the mosque, wouldn’t you, Omar?”

Yuri knew the old immigrant would not rather do that, that he wanted to see the city too. But his ostentatious religiosity would not allow him to say no. So, while Yuri and Annette enjoyed themselves as tourists, Omar was effectively stranded at a mosque without a cent in his pocket.