We have no matches. It's fast time now, the shops are all closed, in a while we'll buy some. I gave Abou Hamdi ample time to eat and drink tea, and then go look for him. His wife informs me that he is napping. I try to keep my temper under control.
Rural folks are so sensitive.
I just ask her to remind him that we urgently need matches. These are the rare moments when you wish there were more smokers around. Finally the fire is ablaze. I go up to the bedrooms and plug the heaters in. All the lights go out.