Chapter 5

Summary

• Yara drives her daughters, Mira and Jude, to school, reflecting on the beauty of the countryside and her fortunate life.
• In the carpool lane, Yara experiences a sense of hollowness and questions her chances to explore the world beyond her experiences visiting Palestine.
• Yara reflects on her childhood trips to Palestine, the difficult entry procedures at the border, and her family's explanation of why they emigrated.
• Her family views America as a place of opportunity but not home, and Yara feels disconnected from both American culture and her Palestinian heritage.
• After picking up her daughters from school, Yara notices Jude's ketchup stain and feels an internal struggle with her emotions.
• While driving, Yara asks her daughters about their day. Mira shares her excitement about soccer, but Jude is less expressive.
• Yara manages her stress by imagining a tranquil place, a coping mechanism since childhood.
• The family arrives at the library for homework, and Yara tries to ensure the girls stay focused.
• Yara shares fond childhood memories of cooking with her grandmother, Teta, in Palestine.
• When Jude inquires about Yara's life in New York, Yara struggles to respond, revealing a darker side to her upbringing.
• Despite the cold treatment she experienced in Brooklyn, Yara diverts her daughters' attention to positive stories and laughter.
• Yara reads a book to her daughters in the library, and they enjoy a moment of closeness and fun.
• Wanting to capture happy memories, Yara takes a photo of her daughters, contrasting with her own childhood lacking physical mementos.