A few blocks east of Istikal, it is slightly raining outside my sister's appartment on a not-so-steep-for-Istanbul-street. One week ago today I was supposed to leave Paris again for Africa but just before I left Mariah sent me the following email:
Eli.
I'm getting married.
I tried to call your French phone, but there was nothing.
So, I have to tell you in this email.
I told Mom and Dad. He told his family.
He? You wonder? His name is Sezayi Erken.
Have we known each other long? No.
We made this decision prior to any kiss, and dating, etc.
I will write more soon. Just so you know.
I love you and wish you a wonderful journey.
Love,
Mariah
I believe my SMS response was “Congrats...WTF?!?! I'm coming”. I wanted to visit her again before I left for Africa but money and an unwillingness to spend any more time in the safe sterility of Europe pushed me south. One's priorities change when one's only and younger sister announces her engagement, a continent suddenly doesn't seem very big.
