Loza entered her room, and I was about to go in after her when I heard father calling me,
“Romana.”
“Yes, Baba, I’m here! I promise I will go study!”
“No, I wanted to talk to you about something else.”
I was a little excited that he wanted to talk about something other than studying, but when I saw his face, it looked sad. He stood staring straight ahead, troubled.
I was worried, so I climbed over the balcony fence once more and jumped down on the pavement.
Loza came out of her bedroom, surprised, and called out to me, ” Where are you going, Romana?”
“Just wait here, Loza; Baba wants to speak to me about something. I’ll come back right away.”
I sat next to Baba on the house steps. he seemed hesitant, so I thought I would begin, “Baba what’s wrong with you? You seem preoccupied. Did something bother you?”
“You know Mr. Essam and his big mouth. Today, he insulted me and…”
I felt a sting in my heart, “Was I the cause?”
“Because of the cats?”
“Not just the cats Romana. He’s unsatisfied with everything I do and blames me for anything and everything, even if it has nothing to do with me. For example, when Mrs. Jehan is arguing with her son and raises her voice at him. He says it’s my fault. What could I have possibly done to create such a situation, interfere in it, or prevent it? How am I supposed to silence her?”
“Baba, this man is crazy. Don’t take his words to heart; don’t let them affect you. He is simply combative; that’s all this is about.”
“Well, the problem is that I can’t take it anymore. I can’t tolerate all these constant false accusations and arguments every day. The truth is, I wanted to tell you that I’ve had enough of this place, and I want to leave and look for work somewhere else.”
I felt like my heart was going to stop, and I tried really hard not to cry or scream. I kept all my feelings inside so I wouldn’t burden Baba and add to his pain.
“But Baba…” I couldn’t finish the sentence, and I started crying even though I didn’t want to. My father tenderly put his arm around my shoulder.
“I know how much you love this house, Romana, because of your friendship with Loza. I know leaving her will make you very sad. That’s why I have been postponing this decision for so long. But now I can’t take it anymore.”
“But Baba, maybe Mr. Essam will change with time…. Maybe…. Maybe….”
“How will he change Romana? This is just who he is, and people don’t change their nature.”
I stared ahead, thinking. I have to find a solution to this problem no matter what. I never give up easily, and I’ve learned, from all my experiences, that every problem has a solution, if I think, search, work hard, and try.
“Can you give me the opportunity, Baba? I’ll try and solve this problem.”
“Don’t interfere in these things, Romana. These are adult problems, and they are difficult to solve.”
“Baba, please, just give me a chance. Two days only… Don’t make any instant decisions. If I can’t solve this problem, we can leave, I promise you.”
Baba laughed, “If you hadn’t said these two sentences, Romana, you wouldn’t be the Romana that I know and love. OK, I agree…. but, I would have preferred that you don’t interfere in these adult problems.”
I got up quickly before he changed his mind and said, “Agreed. I have to go now, Baba. I have a mission to accomplish with Loza right now.”
“Romana, don’t forget.”
“… I know my studies. I haven’t forgotten, Baba. Wallahi, wallahi, I won’t forget!”
