These Impossible Things

Kees wins her first case and is thrilled, though she notes that the joy of fulfillment is brief. She feels that ambition empties her out—she has spent little time with Harry and misses him. Kees notices an email from Malak, who asks her to come to Cairo on an “urgent” matter. Despite the year and a half of silence between them, Kees immediately books a flight for that night. She asks Jenna why Malak might send such an email; Jenna is hurt that she, too, wasn’t summoned. Kees reminds Jenna that her wedding will take place on the following weekend, and Jenna comments that she had forgotten, making Kees certain that something is amiss with Jenna, too. Jenna tells her to go to Cairo, offering to send money if needed. Kees sends Harry a message promising to make amends for the previous few months when she returns from Cairo.

In Cairo, Kees is shocked by how beautiful Malak looks when she spots her. Malak tells her they will talk about the email when they reach their destination, which is a five-hour drive into the desert. Kees sleeps the entire way there. When they arrive at an elaborate camp, both women nap.