’ Jarred from his thoughts by the heavily accented baritone, the younger man lifted his head to look upon his companion only for it to fall once mor... with a disturbed sigh. ‘You know me a bit too well.’ ‘Is not to be expected? For what, two hands of the seasons we have known each other?’ ‘Aye…’ ‘So what it is that has you looking like this, my friend?’ How was he supposed to tell another man, this man, that all it had taken was a single look from a bundle of rags to wrap up his mind, and body,. For some reason, I thought she might come back out eventually. She didn't. A few seconds more and I finally followed her in. Jenn was sitting at the edge of my bed. I stood by the door as I watched her. She was breathing deeply but otherwise she sat quietly looking down at her hands. “It's very bright in here,” she said. The mid-afternoon sun came unfiltered through my windows, splashing the room with a white glow. I went to the windows and drew the curtains. They couldn't block out all the. Food stands roasted lamb and chicken logs on spits. She passed veiled women carrying shopping bags. The streets were unmarked. The main avenues, however, were labeled by old signposts under which taxi cabs inched forward in traffic.The neighborhood children tugged on her chador. The cripples displayed their deformities for spare change. She found a café in the middle of a short block. The male patrons in the front sections fed on bread and an assortment of spicy meats. Curtains were drawn over. Then I was allowed Singapore Slings. It had to be with Beefeater Gin, Benedictine, Cointreau, grenadine syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice and a dash of Angostura all shook in a tumbler and poured in a glass with ice. Then cherry brandy was poured over an upside-down spoon for a top layer, a maraschino cherry and pineapple slice were then added as a garnish.Arriving at the lounge I’d plead for a Singapore Sling, Edward checked with the bartender and if his criteria were met, he obliged. We sat.