The Dreams

Dream 50

I was staring at a seductive woman as she walked down the street, when he boldly came up and whispered in my ear.

“If you have any orders,” he said, “she’s at your command.”

Despite the repulsive gleam in his eyes, I did not turn away. We agreed on a fee, one-half of which he demanded in advance: I gave him the half. He gave me an appointment, but when I showed up, I found him alone. He offered the excuse that she was indisposed, and he was perfectly prepared to repay the advance — but I believed him, leaving it with him.

He went on accosting me in my comings and goings, pleading for my patience. Fearing our encounters would damage my reputation, I informed him that my desire had since dampened. And — while I wouldn’t demand the return of my down payment — he had to stay away from me. He stopped approaching me, but still kept showing up most places I would go.

Finally, I became fed up, hating him so much that I decided to move to Alexandria. At Sidi Gaber station, I saw him, standing there as though in waiting.