Egypt – The Silent Man and the Proud Man
When Turkey last came to his house, that breezy little palace in the oasis, he was so much different. He was ambitious, fiery, a stir-about, always talking about his new empire, how the two of them would one day, with no doubt, rule the entire world.
Egypt found his company quite entertaining and amusing, and of course… Turkey reminded him of his father, Ancient Rome. They both had that powerful aura that made anyone and everyone submit before their will.
So why not play along, Gupta thought.
But now… now he was different. For one thing, he did not come alone: he was accompanied by a young woman and a child; and what's more important, he was… well, practically glowing of pride and happiness.
'You seem different' Egypt noted quietly as he poured his guests some hibiscus tea. Turkey was sitting on the biggest and most comfortable pillow, with the young and delicate-looking woman on his left and the child at his feet. It was impossible not to notice the hatred in the little boy's eyes every time he looked at the older man; the woman, on the other hand sat the quietly, gazing either outside at the desert or stiffly fixing her gaze on a spot in front of her. It was just too obvious that both of them were brought here against their will.
'You betcha!' Turkey laughed heartily as he lifted his glass 'My empire shall conquer all, may they be in Asia or in Europe!'
'You have grown to be quite the optimist' Gupta answered, and one could not tell from his calm tone whether this was a compliment or criticism 'But with a son to follow you, I guess that is only natural.'
Turkey now laughed even harder.
'This pipsqueak here? No, no, no, Gupta ol' friend, this lil' toad isn't mine, what were you thinking!' then he quickly embraced the woman's waist with his free hand 'But we'll be on the job, right, abla?'
She made a face and hissed something in a language Egypt did not understand, but it was obviously the most awful curse ever to be spoken. Turkey only laughed in reply – he seemed to be in quite the mood – and said 'Then go you two, while the men do the talking. Shoo-shoo!'
She jumped up and took the boy in her arms, quickly running towards the door; both of them looked quite relieved when they left their master behind.
'You really love them, don't you?' Gupta said in his usual tone a few minutes later, refilling their glasses.
'Nah… the kid's a real pain, and you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get that tulip of mine to lie with me! And if they team up against me, oh Allah, then I sometimes just wanna throw both of them into the sea. Yeah, so they're really giving me a hard time…' he sighed, scratching his nape with his right hand.
'Then why did you look at them so affectionately when they left?'
Sadiq raised his eyebrows, then suddenly burst out in laughter once more, leaning towards Egypt and slapping him on the shoulder.
'Well, I guess you got me figured out, ol' friend!'
The other man pulled away with a smile, and raising his glass, said:
'I believe I like the way your family has changed you.'
