The knots

Author's name: Khairy Shalaby

“Khairy Shalabi is a pillar of Arabic literature. He was a unique voice that is impossible to imitate and indispensable.” – Bahaa Taher

“Wherever you go in our town, you are likely to meet your uncle Abu Sama’in. I know that deep down you hold this title dear to him, but because you are one of the wise men of the town, you bestow it upon him with such ease that it reflects your chivalry, good upbringing, and noble origins. And because you are also a well-mannered person, you will rise from your seat willingly and say to him, with all politeness and reserve—especially if you are a schoolboy—“Come in, Uncle Abu Sama’in.” You may even take his hand and lead him to sit in your place. It is true that you may have originally intended to get up before he arrived, but simply saying to him, “Come in, take my place,” is something you will be praised for in the eyes of the elderly, and there are many of them in our town. You are guaranteed that after you leave, they will say publicly, “Look at the boy’s manners! Even Abu Sama’in stood up and respected him. What good manners!”