Keys, Finally

I just had keys made.

It’s 20 months after I moved into this apartment. I live in Dubai.

I received keys when I moved in, but only one front door key. Since I arrived in a medical emergency, and didn’t really know anyone here, I hesitated even locking the door at night, in case something happened to me. And I never locked it when I went out, for the same reason. I have a cat.

In fact, twice I was hospitalized, in Abu Dhabi. I Arranged for new friends, whom I didn’t know well, to come care for Professor Pimblebrook, my feline friend. I didn’t really have any valuables, anyway, and certainly nothing that would trump (please excuse the expression) my animal stuck inside alone with no food, and scared. He already has separation anxiety.

In Muscat, he suddenly appeared in the back yard. I think he was thrown out of a car. He managed to get into the kitchen and stayed 6 weeks without budging, skinny and stinking, terrified. Hassan fed him, gave him a litter box in the corner, and sat with him, playing,  every night after work. The Professor was lucky. And three years later we live in Dubai together. But he’s still scared when he’s alone. He’s an Arabian Mau.

I have literally never locked my door. Not one time. Today, because now I have another medical emergency, but a scheduled one this time, and in America, I will leave someone here to stay with him, and she will definitely want a key. And it’s time. The neighbor I relied on is moving (although not too far). I will give one to her, too. And now I know more people, after nearly two years.

I’ve had my homes broken into in other places: Santa Barbara, Salalah. But here in Dubai we got lucky.  

Even so, it was worth the risk when I considered the possible consequences, of my innocent friend, alone, scared and starving. And The UAE is known for its safety. Well done, I say.

Everything comes to an end, eventually. And this spell here, in these circumstances, is no exception.  We shall see what happens next.