s already alive with the sound of small voices. Some were laughing. Some were crying. Some were just hummin

ness, no older than six, and her silence was loud. She hadn't spoken a word, not even when Mama offered her sweet porridge or tucked her

, "shouldn't we take

lied gently. "But for now, s

under Mama Sarafina's roof meant there were things that didn't always mak

and shoes missing their twins. But every pair had a story. Mama Sarafina never threw anything

to sort them, she heard

am

s Lov

ma turned, not

se. It smells li

itate. She ran into them like she'd been waiting her whole life. Be

mpkin leaves, the sounds of play and joy returned to the yar

ace was no

ndow of his small shop, Mr. Banda wa

in more again,

counter, barely looked up. "

said. "One day, peop

eyes. She always did. But she kept stirring the pot on t

already chosen her side. And it was the side