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Back in New York, Audrey Hepburn had Henry reach out to UNICEF to restart her visits and humanitarian work around the world.
As the all-purpose assistant, Henry carried a briefcase, sharp in his suit, walking a step behind her. Guided by UNICEF staff, they were heading to a meeting with Wakanda's representatives.
Before long, they arrived at a small conference room. The Wakandan delegates immediately stood politely when they saw a lady enter.
The U.N. staff made the introductions:
"Representative Jabari, this is Mrs. Audrey Hepburn. Mrs. Hepburn, this is Wakanda's representative to the United Nations, Mr. Jabari."
The two shook hands with courtesy.
"Mrs. Hepburn, it is an honor to meet you. On behalf of His Majesty King T'Chaka, I bring you greetings."
"Representative Jabari, I'm pleased to meet you. Please convey my respects to your king."
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
Once everyone was seated, Hepburn got straight to the point:
"Representative Jabari, may I ask whether your government has given any response to our earlier request to visit Wakanda?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am. The king feels it would be inappropriate to receive you. Our country's facilities are too modest to properly host U.N. officials or a distinguished guest such as yourself."
"But isn't that exactly why we should come? To see what assistance might be needed?" Hepburn pressed gently, unwilling to give up so easily.
Jabari remained calm and smiling.
"Mrs. Hepburn, I hope you don't equate poverty with needing help. I won't deny that by Western standards Wakanda is a poor, backward agricultural nation.
"Our per-capita GDP is less than a hundred dollars. People don't all own Chanel or Louis Vuitton bags. But that doesn't mean we need international aid. Africa, our mother, provides for all her children.
"In countries ravaged by famine, the true cause is war, not a lack of food. I can proudly say Wakanda protects her people from war.
"Our children not only eat well, but while we may not afford Glaxo or Novartis pharmaceuticals, we have our own medical technology. In education too, every year we send qualified students to study in Britain and America.
"So I believe Wakanda's so-called poverty exists only in Western eyes. We consider ourselves wealthy in life, not in need of aid from other nations—or even the United Nations.
"Please, Mrs. Hepburn, devote your limited resources to those who truly suffer—whether in Asia or the Americas. They are more deserving of your concern."
Arms crossed, Audrey Hepburn replied:
"My apologies. If my words offended you, please accept them as unintended. Perhaps you're right—I should focus on those more in need.
"Still, it's a pity not to see Wakanda with my own eyes, nor to greet your king in person. I hope that one day we may have that opportunity."
"I hope so too." Jabari's broad smile showed a row of white teeth stark against his dark complexion.
After a few more courtesies, they parted ways. Audrey Hepburn rarely visited the U.N., and her schedule was packed.
On the way to their next meeting, she asked Henry:
"Child, do you think that ambassador was telling the truth? Or is it like North Korea—everything collapsing at home, yet outwardly all praise and glory?"
Not even the U.N. name or Hepburn's prestige could guarantee open doors everywhere. And North Korea was a place even UNICEF advised against visiting—Hepburn herself had never insisted.
Henry thought for a moment before answering:
"Maybe they really don't need aid. Not like North Korea, putting up a façade."
"And why do you think that?"
"Because of his attitude. He wasn't like the envoys from authoritarian states, who cling to arrogance out of fear of being looked down on.
"He even joked about his own country. In a closed, informal setting, that means one of two things: either he's earned the right to say it, or he's simply telling the truth.
"Either way, it suggests he comes from a place where speaking out won't land him in trouble. His tone may have been a bit improper for a diplomat, but considering he was speaking to you in private, it isn't surprising. Actually…"
"Actually what?" Hepburn asked.
"Actually, there was a faint sense of superiority in his words—a kind of disdain for Western values. I can't quite tell where that confidence comes from."
Audrey reflected carefully—yes, there had been that feeling in the exchange.
It wasn't like the bluster she often saw from officials in poor countries, who hid insecurity behind bravado. The Wakandan carried genuine, unshakable confidence, making his words strangely convincing.
"So… we really won't be going?" Hepburn asked.
"If you want my advice, best not. If they insist they don't need help and we force ourselves in, neither the U.N. staff nor the Wakandans will be happy," Henry said honestly.
"Do you think there are better options then? I remember in your earlier report, Central and South America hadn't been visited for a while."
Henry hedged:
"Let's wait until we're back at UNICEF. We'll see what the working group has compiled and go over their suggestions."
"All right then."
She had barely spoken when she suddenly stopped walking, bent slightly at the waist, one hand against the wall.
Henry rushed forward. "Boss, are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Just a sudden cramp in my abdomen—it's gone now." She straightened up, ready to continue.
Watching helplessly, unsure whether to reach out and support her, Henry sighed:
"Honestly, I've felt your rest hasn't been enough lately. It's like old ailments are surfacing all at once now that you finally have a break.
"Maybe we should take more time off. You hold the honorary ambassador title—if we don't push, UNICEF won't either. But you've been treating this like a full-time job, running around every day."
"So many words," she pouted.
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