15
The Mickey Mouse Backpack
Zahra stood in her stuffy flat in the migrant hostel feeling like a caged animal ready to spring at the bars. She had to get Ahmad’s backpack from the kindergarten, right now. Suppose the teachers had already looked inside and found drugs in it? She frowned; Firzun wasn’t stupid. If there was something there, it would be well hidden. But she still had to get it and find the stuff before anyone else did. She wrenched open the door, stepped out, and nearly collided with her neighbour on the path outside.
‘Hello there! Remember me? We were on the same coach from the airport. I’m Julie, from England,’ the woman said.
Zahra pulled the door shut and tried to focus. Before she could say hello, Julie rushed on.
‘What a surprise, we’re neighbours! How are you settl
