Yes

You remained at the hospital, only leaving Sarah’s room when she asked for some privacy as the nurse assisted her to the toilet. The straps were released and under the doctors supervision she was gently walked to the ensuite. You took the opportunity to visit the cafeteria and get yourself some lunch.

When you returned you watched as Doctor Saunders removed the bandages on Sarah’s head. Her hair had been shaved off, but there was enough stubble regrowing to show that she was now a brunette. Her scars were quite ugly and the skin around them was heavily bruised, however the Doc seemed pleased with how she was healing.

At 2 pm precisely, the Saudi diplomat walked in. Sarah was back in bed and new bandages were wrapped around her head.

The woman was wearing a long sleeved floor length grey dress and a black scarf over her head. You came to learn that the scarf was a hijab.

She approached Sarah and spoke to her in Arabic. ‘Marḥaban Yarah, as-salām ʿalaykum

Sarah looked at her dumbly. Then asked ‘What did you say?’

The doctor must have read the situation. He told the woman. ‘Yarah’s brain is recovering from significant injury. She has been speaking to us in English. Sometimes language is lost after major trauma’

The woman gave the doctor a disapproving look before addressing Sarah once more ‘Hello Yarah, Peace be upon you. I am Mrs Reema Al-quabim. I am from the Saudi embassy’

‘Greetings Mrs Al-quabim. Peace to you as well’ Sarah replied.

‘You have no Arabic?’

‘It seems not’

‘That is odd. Maybe it will return with time. I am here on behalf of your family to check on your welfare’

‘The doctor says I am recovering rapidly’

‘Are these staff treating you with respect?’

‘They are. Have you met Doctor Saunders’

The woman turned and acknowledged the Doctor ‘Peace be upon you Doctor Saunders’

‘And this is James Baker my…’ she paused. I understood she had just realised that it was inappropriate to introduce me as her husband or boyfriend.

The doctor completed her sentence ‘Mr Baker has been advising me on Miss Amanlah’s recovery’

‘Peace be upon you Mr Baker’ She scrutinised you with intelligent brown eyes. Before turning back to the Doctor ‘How long do you anticipate Miss Amanlah will remain in hospital’

‘It is hard to say. Miss Amanlah’s recovery has been faster than I could have imagined. I would anticipate that within a week she could be released to a rehabilitation hospital’

‘Very well. I will report my findings to your father Miss Amanlah. He will be pleased that you are making a fast recovery. I will also get in contact with some of your fellow students at the Islamic college. I will ask them to visit with you and bring you appropriate attire’

‘Farewell Miss Amanlah, gentlemen’ The woman turned and left.