Section 11: Chapters 13 and 14 Summary

In Chapter 13, Nadira recalls how Abba was praised in Dhaka for being a great swimmer and for his strong lungs. When their family first moved to Queens, he taught Nadira how to swim by holding her under water to teach her to hold her breath, and he told her she could get through anything as long as she knows how to breathe. Now, Nadira tells herself to breathe so she can get through this and find her way to the other side. At the apartment, there is a message from Ma, and when Nadira phones Ma, she learns Abba's preliminary hearing has been scheduled and will determine if he will be released or deported. Nadira worries about Ma going to court alone, but Ma assures her there will be translators. Nadira looks at Abba's paperwork and thinks she has...