Summary

It is the fourth of July and the first one Hadia remembers celebrating. She and her siblings have begged Rafiq (Rafiq) to take them to see the fireworks. They are awed by the beautiful colors and sounds. Seven-year-old Hilda is grateful for the sun as fireworks fade away. Even Rafiq enjoys the show while a tiny Amar laughs.

In a time long before Hadia’s wedding, Layla sits on the balcony with her sister Sara. Layla feels very close to her sister and tells Sara that she might be getting married to a man who lives in America. However, she is not sure that she should say yes even though her mother calls the man respectable. If Layla pleases her parents, she believes she will be rewarded by God, even if it means forsaking true love. When Sara asks Layla the...