Reasons

Chapter 1.

There are moments in life in which happiness seizes you; Captures you into its welcoming arms, like a mother hugging her child- full of love and warmth.

I was experiencing a similar moment at this very second. Adrenaline was coursing through my veins, my body shaking violently. Tears poured down my face, blue eyes brimming red- sparkling from the golden hue of the sun.

I repeated the words over and over again, wiping my glasses and pinching my cheeks to be sure that what I'm reading is real, that it is legitimately happening.

Dear Ms. Hussein,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Art section in New York University of Manhattan, New York for the fall 2016 semester, and the consecutive semesters to go. It is very important that you read the enclosed material which will be listed below.

You need to indicate whether you want to accept this offer of admission by April 17, 2016. You may contact us by the email listed below.

If you have any problems or questions please contact the program office.

Sincerely,

Adam Russett

Director of admissions.

Art Section, NYU.

Wiping my tears and jumping up and down I ran into the house, letter at hand.

"Mamma! Mamma! I just received my acceptance letter from NYU! I got accepted," I squealed, hugging my surprised mother tightly.

"You got accepted?" she questioned, her face brightening.

"Yes! My first class starts in fall," I gushed, hyperventilating from happiness.

My mom held me tight to stop my shaking and wiped the tears that kept on falling from my eyes.

"Oh, habibti, I am so proud of you," she said, squeezing the living breath out of me.

Of course, every moment has its end and this one ended far too soon, for someone cleared their throat behind us.

I looked up to see my dad, wearing his white Kandura. My smile dropped and jaw trembled. Of course he had to come and ruin the moment.

"I got accepted into NYU, baba," I murmured, softly.

His jaw clenched, and he visibly straightened his posture.

"NYU? What about Stanford, I thought we agreed to you going to Stanford." He spoke between his teeth, grinding them to release a bitter, revolting sound.

"I... I didn't get accepted in Stanford baba, I already told you..." I trailed off.

"Of course you didn't get accepted. You've always been the useless one in the family. You're a no-good, unworthy daughter!" He shouted, moving closer to me. I whimpered and backed up.

My mom stood between us, putting a soothing hand on dad's shoulder.

"Leave her alone, Hasan. The girl has done her best, you can force her to be smarter than she is," my mother whispered.

Of course she'd say something like that. She's always different when my father's around.

My father huffed, "Alright. When are you leaving?" He asked me.

I inhaled, hiding my trembling arms behind my back, "this fall."

"Good, I want you out of this house as soon as possible," he grumbled and made his way to the living room, ordering my mom to make him some Kahwa.