Page 37

Eliana

“I’m sorry to have to wake you up this early.

Can we come in?” In my state of shock, I had completely missed my sister hidden behind her, gripping onto our mom’s arm in a feeble attempt to stay warm.

My heart breaks as Josie gives me an apologetic look, like she felt like a burden in this situation. I never wanted her to feel that way.

“Of course. Sorry, I’m still half asleep. C’mon in.” I step aside for them to enter, Josie giving my hand a squeeze as she walks in. Our universal sign for ‘Life is really tough right now, but at least we have each other.’ “Why don’t we go into my room since Nicole’s sleeping?”

My mom switches to speaking Farsi, a sign of how tired she must also be. Speaking her native language probably requires less brain power this early in the morning. Tears form in her eyes.

“ Your grandma is sick. Your aunt called me, and I don’t think she has much time left. I need to fly back to Iran so I can say goodbye. ”

“Oh Mom. I’m so sorry.” I take her hand into mine, giving it a big squeeze. I didn’t know much about my grandma other than that she was the one who arranged my mom and dad getting married. From what I could tell the two never saw eye to eye, but that didn’t make it any easier to lose a parent.

“ I need you to watch Josie for me. I know it’s unfair to ask, but I can’t leave her alone, and I’m really desperate .”

“Of course. Don’t even worry about it. I can show Josie campus and Nicole and I can keep her busy.”

“ Thank you. I packed a small bag for her, but there may have been things I forgotten. I am not in the best headspace. ” She looks at me sheepishly.

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll figure this out. When do you leave?”

“ In a few hours. I’ll be back in a few days.

I wanted to stay longer but I couldn’t afford to take that much work off .

” She shrugs as if it’s no big deal, but from the expression on her face, I can tell she’s stressed.

International plane tickets weren’t cheap, especially last minute.

That paired with taking off work, she was going to be in the red for a few months.

“ I should probably head out now. I don’t want to miss my flight . ”

“Call us when you get to Auntie’s house if you can.” Josie and I give Mom a big bear hug, and walk her out the door.

I don’t even have to ask Josie what she wants to do next as she follows me back into my room and plops down on the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

“Does take-your-ten-year-old-sister-to-work day exist?” I groan at the endless barrage of to-do items on my calendar. “That’s the only way I can keep an eye on her while not falling behind.”

“If it’s not a thing, I’m sure you can make it one. I doubt anyone would mind. You could just say it was a family emergency.”

“Ugh I feel so bad for my Mom I wish there was something I could do to help.” I take a sip of tea from my mug.

“You’re watching Josie, that’s a big help.” Nicole gives me a hug as I let out the sigh I was holding in.

“Yeah, I just feel like I could be doing more.” My mom’s bills come to mind…

“You’re doing all that you can. And that’s what matters. Maybe we could do something fun this weekend as a little pick-me-up? I can look into what’s happening in the city.”

“Have I ever told you that you’re the best person ever?” I give an appreciative smile.

“At least a handful of times, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.”

“You’re the best. I should probably grab Josie and get going. Long day ahead.” I groan before heading back to my room, throwing my backpack over my shoulder, and taking Josie’s hand as we made our way out of my apartment and to the bus stop.