Love, Hate and Other Filters

Kareem and his parents have brunch with Maya and her family. Sofia makes the food, and it smells good. Maya dresses in salwar kameez with earrings and a necklace. Sofia compliments her appearance. Maya feels bad, knowing the day is not going to turn out the way her mother hopes. Kareem and his parents arrive, and the adults disappear into the kitchen. Kareem bends down to kiss Maya, and she asks him if he is crazy. Her parents do not approve of kissing.

The mothers usher the young people to the backyard picnic table, where Kareem and Maya are alone. Maya says they need to talk and tells Kareem that she does not like him the same way that he likes her. She bursts into tears, and Kareem comforts her: “Maya, you can’t force yourself to be into someone” (116). Maya wonders what she and Kareem should tell their parents about their relationship. Kareem does not seem worried: “Simple is best and most believable. We want to be friends. Boom. Done” (119). Maya feels sad that she will not be Kareem’s future bride.

Ethan sits in the van, waiting. He feels the scar on his head with his fingers.