Marwa Hajji Laamouri, 17, Casablanca

-------------17 years ago--------

Ring Ring Ring ! Slow steps approached behind the closed door. But that, I couldn’t have aknowledged for sure, I was wrapped up in a cosy furr cover, deeply asleep, occasionaly tore out of the magical world of dreams. As dreams and reality blurred into one confusing mixture of senses, I could still make out but one well known feeling : the warm arms of « yaya ». At the time, my mouth and throat, joining forces, could only bable a few sounds. However, luckily, I stayed around long enough to eventually give a name to the woman who woke up every day to take me from my mother s arms and take care of me for the rest of the day. That name, even though childish, I have kept until now in fact. To that name I also owe the recognition by everyone of the special relationship that links us. « The little daughter of Saadia », that’s what others call me.

--------The present moment--------

I have two mothers, and two families. It is what I have always told everyone. Who could have predicted that the woman who was only supposed to be there for a very short period of time, would always be in my heart ?! Probably all of those who knew her.

Our relationship evolved naturally. Not a day would pass without me climbing the stairs two by two to get to her appartment on the third floor. Arrived there, I would feel like home, no in fact that is too far from reality, for I had never thought there was a difference between my actual home and there. When I was younger I used to go on my own, but as I grew older and began to bring loads of homework home, I started to go whenever time would permit it with my mom. Unfortunately, time will never again allow me to pay her a visit for her presence on earth is sealed in the past : she passed away last year. However a little trip down the memory lane will surely be enough to peint you

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an accurate enough portray of the dazzling person she was. Therefore I welcome you to take a sit and drop a look at my pensieve (magical object used in Harry potter to review memories).

---------5 months before her passing away, at home-------

I lift my head to check the time on the clock, it’s 8 P.M. I know I still have homework to do but I can’t let a precious day slip from my hands without seeing those I love. « Mom, it’s time to go I think ». As I close the door behind us, my mom warns me that she’s tired and that she won’t be staying too long. Arrived at the last stair, I look for light under the front door to make sure they are home, then I ring. « It’s me ! » The door slides open and I hug « tati » (her daughter). «Yayaaa » I cheerfuly say as I jump to hug her. As usual, she asks me about how school is doing. Ever since I had started school, she would push me to be the best I could, and God she was proud when I did succeed. I Remember her asking me to teach her french. She has never had the chance to go to school as a child, which is why she is illiterate. Though, she isn’t that easily brought down. She got into a literacy class in a mosque. Now, she can read and write. The corners of her mouth stretch into a smile as the formalities come to an end. « I am participating in the writing of a Quran ». The glitch in her eyes is the same one you see in a child’s eyes looking at an ice cream. The spirit and the eagerness of a young soul moved that body.

Tati enters the cozy room after she was in the balcony : « I wonder when the quarrels created by the people in this building will finally stop ! ». It’s been a while since things haven’t been doing so well in our building and obviously it concerns us all, however yaya takes it holds the matter a little bit closer to her heart : « It’s the same old story with the same old person ! Is he really not going to leave the syndicate, he has already ruined it all. They’re really are no men in this building. They’re all a herd of goats and sheep. If they just leave it to the women, this building would become the best in the neighborhood ». Jumping from her seat and with a heat in her voice and tone, all I can say is that she isn’t afraid to express her opinion- « That’s it ! Starting of today, I refuse to pay for the syndicate. » - nor to pass to action.

Suddenly she turns to me concerned « But have you eaten yet ?! Go take some fruits from the kitchen, now » That last sentence feels more like an order than a suggestion, 32

which is why I execute myself on the moment. Walking back from the kitchen through the corridor, my eyes meet the clock and the needle pointing to 11 o’clock. With the terrible school morning that’s waiting for me in mind, I urge my mom to leave although it tears my heart to have to break the insane laughs that were resonating in the room. I guess yaya is feeling the same for she begs us to stay just a little more. As easily persuaded as we are, we agreed to participate in the extension of a laughing and joking session. Better than the therapist I assure you !

------------The present moment---------

That’s all for today. I hope the strength of the ever-lasting personality of hers has been well depicted. She possessed a character that pushes the boundaries of time, for it has forever been anchored in me.

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