Like Batman

I visited my friend Ahlam last night. She remains one of my favorite people in the world, even though we have so little language in common. I think in about 2 months, my Arabic will be better than her English. A little moment from last night: We were sitting on the couch in the living room and all of a sudden, I heard the sound of someone tapping on the glass door behind us. I turned around and saw a man's shadow lurking behind the curtain. I almost screamed; then the shadow pulled the curtain aside and I saw it was only her husband, coming home early from class. I clutched at my heart, which was racing, and told him, "I was ready to fight or run!" Ahlam started laughing and said, "You have two doors in your house?" I told her yes, but my back door is always locked. She said, "Maybe one day I come to your house and scare you." I said, "Will you wear a mask?" She said, waving her hands to indicate a cape, "Yes, like Batman. With my abaaya behind me!" I laughed so hard I almost fell off the couch.