The Arabic Quilt

“Kanzi, habibti, you’re going to be late to the first day of school,” Mama calls.
“I’m coming, Mama.” Kanzi stuffs her notebook into her backpack and quickly but carefully folds her quilt-the special one Teita made in Egypt.

Breakfast is delicious: Egyptian fava beans, homemade French toast, and watermelon with feta cheese and mint. Zacharia has watermelon juice dripping down his chin. He looks happy.

“I packed your favorite lunch for you: a kofta sandwich!” Baba exclaims.

“Shukran, Baba,” Kanzi says, but secretly she wishes her baba would pack her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead. Her family has just moved to this town, and she doesn’t know anyone. She doesn’t want to be different.

In the car, Mama sings along with the songs on the Arabic radio channel. When they pull up to the school, Kanzi turns down the radio volume. Mama gives her a confused look.

“Good luck today,” Mama says. “Bahebek.”

“I love you, too,” Kanzi responds.

In class, Mrs. Haugen asks all the students to share three facts about themselves. When it is Kanzi’s turn, she says bravely, “I am Egyptian-American. I love to swim. I love to write poetry!” Then she sits, looking down at her desk.

At lunchtime, Kanzi is surprised when Mama walks through the door. “Habibti, you forgot your lunchbox!”

“Habibti? Like The Hobbit? Isn’t your name Kanzi?” Molly snickers. Her classmates laugh with her as they walk to the cafeteria.

Mrs. Haugen sees tears rolling down Kanzi’s cheeks. “What’s wrong?” she asks.

“Molly made fun of what my mama said,” Kanzi replies.

“Oh, Kanzi, being bilingual is beautiful,” says Mrs. Haugen. “Don’t let anyone make you feel ashamed. You are special.”