These Dreams of You

~ ~ ~

The ambassador laughs. “Sheba.”

“It’s. . just a nickname,” explains Zan.

“Of course. She has a royal presence,” he jokes.

“Very headstrong,” Zan agrees, “a ‘professional,’ she would say.”

“Later on this will serve her well.”

“That’s what we keep telling ourselves. Uh. . also. . ”

“Yes?”

Zan points at the list of names. “We’ve sent some money to her family in Addis when we can manage it financially. Only recently have we realized this could be construed the wrong way. It’s only been to help them out.”

“Of course,” answers the ambassador. “I assure you that no reasonable person could see this as anything but an act of generosity, the same generosity that led you to open up your home to your daughter in the first place.”

“Thank you. I hope so.”