The Paper House by Lois Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

hardly glanced at the house as he helped her inside.
    Safiyah stared at the ragged space on the wall where she had torn away Pendo’s pictures. She slumped down onto Cucu’s bench. Shreds of torn paper and ashes drifted around her legs as she scuffed her feet in the dirt.
    She kicked harder as all the anger at her friend came sweeping back, like a bad smell through a crack in the wall.
    â€œSaffy!” called Cucu.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œCome here, child.”
    Cucu sat on the bed with her back against the wall. Her thin legs stuck out from beneath her skirt. “Take off my shoes for me, would you?”
    Rasul watched Safiyah settle Cucu. “I will be right back,” he said.
    When Rasul had gone, Cucu asked Safiyah, “Did we forget my mancala board at the hospital?”
    â€œI have it here.” Safiyah turned around to show where she had tucked it in the waistband of her shorts.
    â€œClever girl,” said Cucu.
    Safiyah placed the board on the bed next to her grandmother.
    â€œIt will be yours when I die,” Cucu told her.
    â€œDon’t say that!”
    Cucu patted Safiyah’s hand. “But not for a long time.” She took the bag of stones from her pocket and tipped them into her open hand. “Not for many years.”
    â€œDo you want to play now?” asked Safiyah.
    â€œNot today. I am a little tired,” said Cucu. “You may borrow it if you are careful not to break it. Or lose the stones. Perhaps Pendo might like to play with you.”
    â€œPendo is not my friend anymore,” Safiyah told her.
    â€œNot your friend?”
    â€œShe spoiled my paper wall,” Safiyah told her grandmother.
    â€œIt looks lovely,” said Cucu. “Even with my old eyes.”
    â€œWhen I was away, she slapped everything up,” Safiyah shouted at her grandmother. “I had a plan. Now it’s just a jumble.”
    â€œWould you lose a friend who tried to help?” Cucu’s voice was full of disappointment.
    The springs squealed as Safiyah slumped onto the bed.
    â€œCome here,” said Cucu.
    Safiyah shifted close. She breathed in the dusky smell of her grandmother’s skin mixed with the tang of the clinic soap.
    â€œWe are so lucky to make some new friends, Saffy,” said Cucu. “Mrs. Pakua has been so kind. Many neighbors came to visit us in the clinic.” She ran her hand up and down Safiyah’s arm. “One should never judge a friend who tries to help.”
    Safiyah quoted one of her grandmother’s favorite proverbs. “‘Words are easy. Friendship is hard.’ You told me that.”
    â€œSo you do listen to your old cucu.” Cucu tapped Safiyah’s hand. “It means that you should work hard to keep the good friends you have. And take care that your words do not drive them away.”
    Cucu slumped against the wall. She was better, but she still tired easily. Safiyah helped her lie down and draped the thin blanket over her.
    She looked around. The shack was already cozier, but with the cracks filled, it was dim in here, even though it was still daylight outside. “We will have to use the lamp more now,” she said. “And how will we pay for the oil?”
    Cucu hand reached out to slap Safiyah’s leg. “Go away if you wish to sulk. We are home. I am almost well. With so little, is that not enough?” She turned her face to the wall. “Now let me rest.”

Chapter Sixteen
    Safiyah barged out of the house, straight into Rasul. Water slopped onto her leg from the can he was carrying.
    â€œLooks like you needed a wash.” He laughed.
    Safiyah darted past him without answering.
    â€œWhere are you going?” he called after her.
    At the corner of the street she tripped over two children playing in the dirt. She landed with one hand bent underneath her. She held it against her chest and squeezed her eyes shut. But she could not stop the tears.
    â€œDo you