The El-Sayeds moved in shortly after spring break, but the few months before summer vacation seemed to take their sweet time getting there. I wanted to spend more time with Kalil, but I also wanted to get a summer job. The more money I could save, the better. Even if Kalil and I didn’t escape together, I wanted to be able to get out of there on my own and pursue my dance career, go to college, be better than Dad in every way.
Finding work took a while, and in the meantime I spent some quality time with Joshy, Kalil, and Kalil’s little sisters. We went to the park together, and as usual I held Joshy’s hand while we crossed the street. Kalil was right next to me, so I reached out my other hand.
“Come on, everyone,” I said. “Join hands for safety!”
Kalil gave me a somewhat panicked look. “
