“We still have plenty of time, because my sister-in-law will spend this evening here with Abd en Nom. After all the preparations are in place to welcome them with a festival, we’ll pick them up tomorrow.” With a second joyful leap, Thar cheered: “Their reception will be wildly festive! May I invite my Lions and my Elephants?” From the look on Mustafa’s face, he didn’t approve. When my wife waved her appeal to him, he gave in: “Yes, invite them.”
“The Hippos too?”
“Yes.”
“And the Whales?”
“Yes, they can also come. They can sit in the backyard and be entertained there—but quietly. Before they leave this evening, please have them sing “The Song of Bethany.”
“Halleluja! My dearest and loving father, thank you. I’ll hurry to tell them right away!”
Mustafa Bustani tried to hold him back: “Why this very minute?”
“Because I still have time to catch up with them. They left just a short while ago.” He pulled away, quickly shook Schamah’s little hand, and sprang to his feet.
As she adoringly watched the boy, Schamah asked: “Will I be staying with him?”
“Yes, you will,” her mother answered. From now on, you two will be together.”