Summary

In Chapter 14, Baba collected the family’s British passports. Mama told Sami he needed “to look relaxed,” as if they were returning “home to England” (115).

Daichi drove the family to the airport. Worried about Sara, Sami hoped things would improve when they arrived in England (117). He was surprised they got through check-in safely and felt relieved when “the plane started taxiing” (122).

In Chapter 15, Sami woke as the plane descended. The city below looked “in order and in place” (123). Sami compared it to Damascus. At customs, Sami was shocked when Baba told the agent they were from Syria, seeking asylum (125).

In Chapter 16, the agents said the family would be arrested “on immigration offenses” (127). An officer would interview them and give them “a safe place to stay” (127). They would review their case to ensure they had entered England because they were in danger. Baba showed...