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Sara shook her head sadly, and said, "No, I don’t believe that’s possible, Yas the child’s face drop even more, she added, "Maybe you could visit htened at the idea "Yes, I will make Rashid take me"

Sara’s face clouded at the mention of his name

"Rashid will miss you also"

"I don’t think so, sweetie"

Just then Hassad arrived, with aclosely behind Sara went to him and put her arm around him She steered him to Yasmine

"This is my friend from America His name is David"

David stuck out his hand, and Yas it

"I am honored to meet you I am Princess Yasmine al-Ahmal" she announced, quite forhness" replied David,fro how to react, she ducked her head, suddenly shy

"Don’t tease her, David" scolded Sara "She’s not used to being around any men other than family or servants"

He looked up at her, hurt by her tone and she was sorry she had spoken so harshly She pleaded for forgiveness with her eyes and gave his hand a squeeze then she turned to Yasain

"Good-bye, little flower, I will miss you" She kissed the child on her bare cheek (she was still young enough not to be required to wear a veil)

Yasrant you a safe journey," she said, trying to contain a fresh onslaught of tears "I will never forget you"

"I won’t forget you either, kiddo, and I’ll be expecting your visit"

Yas "In sha Allah, if God will"

"Yes," agreed Sara, "If God will"

In respect for their customs, Sara donned the black cloak over her jeans for the ride to the airport, but shrugged it off as soon as they entered the plane It was a clear night and the ht And as the jet took off into the air, she looked down at the desert below She thought she could see a figure, alone on the dunes, and a tear rolled down her cheek