I did have my very own, extra-special, one-of-a-kind (because of the little holes throughout, each of which told its own little story) security sweater. It's been with me on-and-off throughout my life. You know, it was one of those relationships.
Now it's gone. Completely and utterly gone. Forever. There's no reclaiming a sweater that is in an entirely different oasis from the one I am currently inhabiting. In the past, when I had lost it, it has always returned to me. I claimed it had special powers. For the days we remained in Kharga I kept half-expecting the police officer who had taken a liking to Fatma and invited our group to a party to bring it back to our hotel. Needless to say, my half-expectations were not fulfilled. I never saw that particular member of the security detail again, and I didn't get my sweater back.
I miss it, and now I need a new sweater.
