"Sheby?" Safiya jumped down from her horse and raced towards her, then held her shoulder so tightly that Sheby feared she would squeeze her too tight if she didn't release her, but she said nothing to stop her.
"Sheby, where is he? Where is Ahmed? It's a lie, right?"
Sheby shook her head, indicating that unfortunately it was true. She felt Safiya shaking through the embrace and wondered what kind of friendship they had if Safiya was in love with him.
She had never seen her look this exhausted - yes, exhausted should be the word, because her shoulders were slumped and her eyes vague and darting, her heartbeat increasing each second.
Safiya released herself from the embrace, her eyes widening as she looked at Sheby. She couldn't believe it, but it was the truth.
"Where is he?"
Sheby shrugged. "Mama should know. She had waited for you before his funeral would start."