The Extra

Six

AND INDEED HIS SISTER did not phone, but replied by e-mail.

My very dear brother,

Let’s leave the subject of the repertoire of the Arnhem Philharmonic to the orchestra’s management. By the way, Mozart wrote a concerto for harp, flute and orchestra, and I am to be the soloist, but lucky for you, it’s not scheduled yet.

Regarding the experiment you have imposed on Ima — since you’ve defined my thinking on the subject so well, who am I to deny it?

Nevertheless, I will not abandon you to deal alone with the obligation you’ve undertaken. Let’s get through the experiment as you’ve planned it and to which Ima has agreed. If it ends successfully, all well and good — I too will be reassured and happy. If not, we will both hang our heads in humility, and reconcile ourselves to her desire to end her life at the same place Abba ended his. You will be absolved of any guilt before God and man. That way you can also forgive me for leaving Israel.

In short, I agree to live in the Jerusalem apartment for three months, but I totally reject the insulting suggestion that you and Mother pay me a “per diem.” Let me be clear: I will not take a penny from you and Ima. I don’t need to. I have my own resources, and even if I take a small loan from my bank in the Netherlands, no problem. I’m in my prime, I have a job, and can cover any expenses.

Even so, if by chance, and only by chance, any idea for my employment should arise in your fertile and manipulative imagination, I’ll be happy to consider it — not to earn a few pennies, but so as not to be bored. That’s it in a nutshell.

Your loving and loyal sister, Noga