From Syria Oh my goodness she heard Mom say They’ve been in a transition home for a few months said a voice Maddy recognized it as Meredith’s a neighbor across the street They’re living with us until their home is ready Maddy heard more snippets War refugee escape She shivered despite the heat from the oven The conversation went on Mom loved to chat It was one of the many differences between her and Maddy Then she heard Mom say her name 10
My daughter Maddy is nine How old are you I’m nine too said a new voice A younger one Maddy paused spatula mid-air She knew what was coming Let me introduce you Mom said Maddy felt a pit in her stomach It wasn’t that she was unfriendly It just took Maddy a while to feel comfortable around new people Grown-ups assumed that because you’re the same age as someone you’d be best friends 11
Sure enough Mom came into the kitchen with a girl She had soft brown skin big brown eyes and dark hair She wore jeans and a hoodie Maddy this is Amina said Mom She’s from Syria She’s staying with the Wolf family for a while Hi Nice to meet you said Amina Maddy was surprised that Amina spoke such good English She had just a bit of an accent musical and pretty Hi Maddy said back Amina’s smile was so big that Maddy couldn’t help returning it 12
Why don’t you bring her to your room said Mom She was heading back to the door Meredith and Amina’s mom stood there talking Maddy nodded and headed for the stairs She looked over her shoulder to encourage Amina to follow her Maddy thought of the snippets she’d overheard Especially the word war She wondered what it would feel like to have to be forced to leave your home She thought of the biggest problem she’d faced all day No more tape Her face felt warm 13
