Sunlight on a Broken Column - Closing

Asad's voice called, "Laila, where are you?"

I got up quickly, wiping my eyes as his tall, thin figure was silhouetted at the door.

"Laila," he said, blinking at the shadows, "what have you been doing so long in this empty house?"

"I have been waiting for you, Asad. I am ready to leave now."