The Night Diary

Dear Mama,
Amil says we have to go through our secret path every day. It’s too risky to walk on the street now. I told him it was his fault because he drew too many angry pictures of the boys who chase him. He just laughed. Amil laughs when he doesn’t know what to say. I hate cutting through the sugarcane. My legs and arms get all scratched up. When I walk I like to think of dinner and what Kazi might be making. It distracts me. Sometimes I think of new things to make. I wonder how pistachios crushed with rosewater syrup and sweet cheese would taste. I think of a stew made with lamb, tomatoes, Cream, and apricots. I think of how garlic and gingerroot smell sizzling in ghee or the way dry rice feels falling through my fingers.
I said to Amil if we told all the kids at our schools the truth about Mama, maybe we could be friends with everyone. Maybe it would be a good thing now. instead of a bad thing. Maybe we could stay and not have to leave.”
“Nisha, that’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said. Maybe you should always keep your mouth shut,” Amil told me.
I know you may not want to hear this. Mama, but I spit on his toes and ran back out to the road and walked by myself all the way home. I held my breath because I was so afraid. But no one chased me, even though I saw some of the boys that don’t like Amil on the other side of the road. Then I realized the only reason they chase us is because of Amil and his ridiculous drawings and his big mouth. The boys aren’t mad at me. I’m safer by myself.