The Bite of the Mango

Kadi stays with Mariatu for the first two days of English lessons but after the second, she gives Mariatu bus tickets and tells her, “[j]ust follow the directions I’ve been showing you and you’ll be fine” (182). Mariatu protests, asking “what if I get lost?” (182), but Kali simply answers, “Then you get lost” (183). The next day, Mariatu’s arm shakes as she passes the bus driver the name of her destination, but her journey goes without a hitch.

Mariatu works tirelessly to learn English, listening diligently to her teacher, reading library books after school, and spending her breaks practicing with the other pupils. She is soon forming complete sentences and is especially proud when she manages to write “MARIATU KAMARA, in a workbook with a pencil held between my arms” (184).

When her six-moth visa expires, Mariatu decides to stay longer and continue her studies, telling a delighted Kadi and Abou, “Maybe I’ll go home when I can speak English” (184). She applies successfully for refugee status and, in the summer, graduates with a diploma in English as a Second Language. During the graduation ceremony, she has to give a speech in English and she uses this as an opportunity to address Kadi and the nieces, saying, “Thank you for giving me a home […] and accepting me as one of yours.