12

Free, free, no problem, sir.
Don’t touch my luggage.
My friend, free, for you.
No, not free.
It’s ok, no problem for me.
Well, problem for me. Lina, wait — don’t let him take your bag.
What? Shit.
Ugh.
Free, free. Come. Follow me.
He’s letting us cut the line?
Not for free.
No problem, my friend.
Don’t touch my luggage.
Hey, he might not ask for anything.
He will.
Sir, please. Euro, Dollar, Pound, now.
I thought we were friends!

Cairo International Airport, March 2025
Ashkan R.