Chapter 2

“Salma, you’re going to be late for school!”

Mama’s voice is soft and singsong-like. Salma opens her eyes to the bright fall light coming through her window. She flips over and buries her face in her soft pillow. She was having the most wonderful dream. Ice cream mountains and unicorn ponies and all the good cotton candy clouds she could ever ask for. She would much rather go back to her dreamland.

“Salma!”

With sleep still in her eyes, Salma turns over and sighs. It’s unfair that she has to wake up early for school! She wishes everyone would just go back

to bed so she could stay in hers. This soft, warm, cozy bed with her fluffy pink pillow . . .

Salma’s eyes land on her poster of Yusra. It has been almost a week since she asked her mama for permission to join the swimming club, and she hasn’t gotten an answer yet. Maybe today is the day.

“Okay!” Salma finally jumps out of bed.

“We have raised the laziest girl in the world,” Baba teases when he sees her exiting her bedroom. He sips his cup of Turkish coffee while cradling little Nora in his other arm. Mama prepares their lunch boxes in the kitchen.

“I am not lazy!” Salma says. “I’m just selective about where I spend my energy.”

“Spend your energy on getting ready for school, then,” Mama says.

Salma huffs in annoyance and walks back into her room. She stuffs her schoolbooks in her bag, quickly makes her bed, then lays out her clothes before she grabs her towel and heads toward the shower.

“Hey, before you do that, come over here for a second,” Baba says. Salma turns on her heel and stomps toward the kitchen. She stands, arms crossed, towel on her shoulder, and waits for her baba to speak. Baba puts down his cup of coffee, then ruffles her unruly hair.

“Wow, you really don’t like mornings,” Baba says.

“I like them a lot, actually,” Salma says. “I just wish they happened in the afternoon.”

Mama and Baba burst out laughing. After a second, Salma joins them, and the baby giggles, too. Mornings are not that bad, Salma thinks. She gets to spend time with her three favorite people in the world.

“Well, maybe this will make your morning better.” Baba picks up a gym bag that Salma hadn’t noticed before and hands it to her. It’s heavier than she expects.

“What is this?” Salma is puzzled.

“It’s a surprise,” Mama says. “Open it up!”

Salma unzips the bag and digs her arm into it up to the elbow. She feels something round and plastic and pulls it out.

“Swimming goggles!” Salma’s sleepiness evaporates on the spot. She shrieks in excitement. “What? What does this mean?”

“Keep digging, Salma,” Baba says with a joyful smile.

Salma pulls out a beautiful swimming cap with little jasmine flowers printed on it, a yellow snorkel, and a small kickboard she can float on while training. There is a white cotton towel, and a water bottle, too. She touches something smooth and stretchy and pulls it out. It’s a swimsuit: black, with sporty white trim.

“This is the best surprise ever!” Salma jumps and hugs her baba around the neck. All of her new swimming gear falls to the ground. “Thank you so much.”

“Well, your mama and I spoke, and we decided that you should do whatever brings you joy,” Baba says.

Mama walks over. Salma gives her a hug, and Mama kisses Salma’s forehead. “Whatever makes you happy, Salma.” Mama hands Salma a piece of paper with a signature at the bottom. “Here is your permission slip.”

Salma feels like the luckiest girl alive. The warmth gathering in her chest travels up to her face. “Thank you so much, Mama and Baba. You are the best parents in the world.”

Baba brings Salma in for a closer hug, and Mama joins them. They hold on to one another for a moment.

“Now, go get ready for school.” Mama rolls up her sleeves, returning to the kitchen.

“See? Mornings don’t have to be such a bad thing,” Baba adds.

Salma gathers her new swimming gear and takes it toward her bedroom. “I am not saying I’m changing my views on mornings, but I will consider today as a better example.”

She hears her parents laugh again as she looks up at her posters of Yusra Mardini. She sees the swimmer’s wide smile and the joy of winning on her face. “I will make you proud,” Salma promises. “I will win every race. But first, I have to learn how to swim!”