East of Nakba (43)

 

(Japanese Version)

(Arabic Version)

October, 2022

Part II. Ethnic cleanser

 

Chapter 43 At the party in Embassy (4)

 

Helen, who was the wife of Brigadier General Johnston, was disillusioned with her husband and his colleagues.

 

Her husband had marvelous reflexes and ability to analyze situations. He was an excellent pilot and at the same time a tactful genius who stood out from his peers. He was not a handsome guy. But Helen loved active and cheerful guy. They married with blessing.

 

Johnston was awarded many medals for his bravery against Japanese Zero fighters in the South Pacific during the World War II. When he showed up at the party with many medals on his uniform, he proudly explained the reason of award for each one. Helen was also proud her husband who was respected from everyone. However, recently, she was bored with such a scene being repeated frequently.

 

Helen slipped away when her husband began to talk about his bravery with his fellow men. She headed for a circle of familiar wives surrounding a dark-skinned, virile man in military uniform.

 

The woman in the center of the circle recognized Helen and beckoned her. The woman said in an excited tone.

 

"Hi, Helen. You have to hear about this guy. He is that famous Israeli military officer. His story is very interesting. We're just getting started, so I hope you'll join us."

 

The woman was the wife of her husband's superior. As Helen greeted the man in the center of the circle, she stepped back and listened to him modestly. Fascinated by the story, ladies bombarded him with question after question. Here, the order of husbands was the order of wives. Helen was not allowed to ask questions. She quietly listened to the conversation between a military officer and ladies. She used to be the leader of the topic at ordinary party. But she was forced to be patient at today’s party.

 

When a man got stuck, women interrupted him from all directions. After thinking for a while, the man answered with few words.

 

(cont’d)

 

 

Areha Kazuya

(From an ordinary citizen in the cloud)

 

To previous chapters: http://ocininitiative.maeda1.jp/OcinNovelEnglish.html