The Imam
Copyright© 2018 by Harvey Havel
Chapter 2
SHABBIR RETURNS TO THE HILLS
13th of Jumaada al-THaany 1416
(November 7, 1995)
The morning came with more sweat. Shabbir’s bites itched again. He found distaste in the morning. Through the spaces of cardboard he could see the slum-dwellers walking, yelling, and selling things on the trail. Fatima confusedly awoke confused and begged him to sleep longer.
“I can’t,” he whispered. “My family worries for me.”
“A few more minutes, just a few more.”
“I can’t. The trail is already crowded. I have missed my prayers.”
“Then go if you must,” she said.
“How do I get out of here?”
“When will I see you again?”
“How do I get out of here? My family must be worried, I can’t stand it when they worry.”
“Who?”
“My wife and my daughter, even your uncle.”
“He’s not really my uncle.”
“Not your uncle? Shrika would never lie to us.”
“I don’t want to get him in trouble, but just so the truth is known, he is not my uncle.”
“I can’t believe Shrika would lie to us.”
“So you’re just taking off, is that it?”
“What more do you want?”
“How quickly you forget.”
“I have a wife and child. There is no way I can see you again. With the exception of fifteen minutes, the visit was a nightmare. I have to find my way out.”
“By the time you get home, you’ll want to come back.”
“Nothing happened last night.”
Shabbir Hussein found his way back to the hills, asking slum dwellers for directions along the way. His damaged face blended in, but he had no money to buy clothes. Out of fear he wrapped some cloth around his head.
He arrived at Drakni Drive an hour later. Despite his attempt to unbind him, Shrika would not let go of his knees. Sakina, holding their daughter, came to the courtyard to see his swollen face. They were loaded with questions. Shabbir had plenty of time to concoct answers. His wife did not pry right away. She instead prepared an ice bag and led him to a warm bath. He reaked of body odor. Sakina was careful not to come too close. In the tub, she fired away. The police had been called. She was not satisfied with his explanations. She said he acted stupidly preaching the faith to the poor.
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