“I know how much you sacrificed, and I want to make everything good and happy for you. Believe me. I really, really do”

"Bye, Ma,” Miri said at the front door.

“I’ll see you later. Have a really good day at school.”

“Thanks.” Miri reached for the handle, then stopped. “Oh, Ma? What happened with the house you saw last night? Did he like it?”

“He did. Very much.”

“Really?” Miri’s hands clasped together against her heart. “Does that mean we’re moving?”

“Maybe. We discussed it, but it’s still too premature to know for sure.”

Miri’s hands fell to her sides. “I guess I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high then, should I?”

“I didn’t say that. It’s just too early to tell. Ta hears my point and thinks it’s a great idea. We just have to weigh the pros and cons.”

“What cons? The only con is living in this house.”

“It might be that way for you, Miri, but not for the others.”

“Why are they always more important than me?”

“You know they’re not.”

“You keep saying that, Ma, but it feels like they are.”

“They’ve been here in this house since they were born. It won’t be easy for them to move.”

“So I was in our house since I was born, too, and it wasn’t easy leaving it either.”

Mrs. Weiss licked her lips. “I know, sweetie…” She paused, unable to continue.

“You see, Ma, you know I’m right.”

“Miri.” Her mother sighed.

“Why couldn’t they move to our house? It wasn’t that small. Why did I have to be the one to move?”

“Come on, Miri, you’re not being fair.”

Miri’s mouth opened. “I’m not being fair? I gave up everything, and all I got is an angry roommate who makes home and school hard for me!”

Miri felt tears coming and looked away.

“I know, Miri. Really, I do. I know how much you sacrificed, and I want to make everything good and happy for you. Believe me. I really, really do.” Her mother exhaled. “I had such grand plans. It’s just taking a little longer than I thought it would to work out all the kinks.” She turned Miri’s face to hers. “Please, have patience. You’ll see. Everything’s going to work out.”

Miri studied her mother’s face. Hope and optimism were stamped on each feature.

“I have no choice, anyway,” she grumbled.

Her mother gave a half smile, and Miri did the same.

She opened the door. “Bye, Ma. Have a good day.”

Shoshi was waiting at the corner, and Miri instantly brightened.

“