A year in Manhattan and New York.
It's not long enough to get used to change.
But perhaps I wrongly assumed that it would be easier in America to make myself understood for simple directions like the one I've been fighting for for five minutes. The stubbornness of merchants is international, it knows no bounds.
"No, what I'm asking for is a tiered cake in the shape of a pyramid, I'm talking about a real pyramid. Khufu, Khafre, does that ring a bell?"
I'm about to tear my hair out. Is it so difficult to imagine an Egyptian pyramid? It's not that hard to differentiate it from a Mayan one! But with the idiot who serves as my brother behind this, it's only more complicated.
"If she can't figure out what shape a pyramid has," Nakia bursts out laughing on the sofa, "change suppliers?"
I turn to Nakia and smile at him as sarcastically as possible.
"She's the only one willing to get moving tonight for tomorrow, Nakia. Do you think she even got a real diploma?"
"There's no need for a diploma to differentiate between triangles and squares."
True.
I bring the phone back to my ear that I had moved away to talk, although I don't care whether she heard it or not; she'll be paid. Then finally comes the happy moment when she finally understands what I'm describing to her tonight.
"There you go, that kind of pyramid will be perfect. Otherwise, she won't like it. What size? Well, big enough to impress but not too big to fit into a standard room!"
"Make it the size of a six-year-old girl and it'll be enough," Nakia intervenes over my shoulder before stepping away with a bunch of grapes.
"And! Small detail: at the top of the pyramid, avoid the tip, you should add a sphinx and put her face on it," I intervene as a reminder. "What? But it's what she wanted! Just do it, I'll send you a photo of her."
"I'll do it now for you."
"Remind me to mention it tomorrow night to the one who serves as your niece."
"She's your niece too!"
The supplier starts talking again about the payment we agreed on when a notification interrupts her: it's a message. I look at it more carefully and widen my eyes.
"Wait! I just received a message. That's all for tonight, you have the instructions and the money will be soon in your account. I'll call you back."
"Who is it?" Nakia asks when I hang up.
Can I come tonight?
Please.
"It's Neferu..."
Neferu...
If she didn't want to call me, it's because something is going on. Otherwise, she never hesitates for this kind of thing. Except when...
"Neferu NepTet?" Nakia chuckles mockingly. "I think I'll leave and let you be with your turtledove!"
"Shut up!"
Always.
The next moment, the doorbell rings in the apartment. She found my address without asking me, I immediately guess. Obviously, she expected me to answer "yes" as always.
"Is that her?" Nakia asks, heading towards the door. It's quite late.
I step ahead to open the door, then:
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