The New Shop on Maple Street

When Amir moved to Maple Street, he did not know anyone.

His family had left their old country two years before, and everything still felt new.

Every morning, Amir walked to school with his head down, hoping nobody would ask him about his accent.

One day, a small shop opened at the end of the street.

The owner, an old woman named Mrs.

Chen, sold spices and fresh bread.

Amir's mother sent him to buy some bread, so he went inside.

Mrs.

Chen smiled and asked him where he was from.

At first, Amir said nothing, because he was afraid of the question.

Then Mrs.

Chen told him that she had moved from Taiwan thirty years ago.

She said her accent was still strong, but now it was part of who she was.

Amir bought the bread and walked home slowly.

For the first time, he felt that his two lives could fit together.