the death blocking his path, all the things that made Rauf's death an absolute necessity" — Naguib Mahfouz

If there was a dog in the house—other than its owner, of course—it would now fill the universe with barking.

Why, you're capable of miracles,' he told himself. 'You'll get away all right'"

Didn't Rauf Ilwan used to say that our intentions were good but lacked order or discipline?"