When the Waters Take Us by Beth Willstrop

Author:Beth Willstrop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Basking Turtle Publishing

Chapter 23

2009-2010, The Abbasi Home, Isfahan, Iran:

Running into the house at quarterback speed each day as school ended became the norm for the Abbasi children. There to receive them at the goal line stood Eva with arms out, ready for the tackle. Thanks to her taxi driver and his wife in Tabriz, she had found a home with the extended Abassi family in Isfahan. Eva introduced the kids to frozen yogurt grapes. Her mom used to freeze grapes in the summer, making little popsicles. Eva added her touch by dropping them into yogurt and freezing them into special treats. The kids adored her.

Snack over, they all pulled cushions off the chairs and plopped onto the floor for their English lessons. Eva created fun games and crafts. Once in the house, per Baba and Maman’s orders, the children spoke only English to Eva. In turn, they helped Eva speak only Persian to adults in the house and community. In no time at all, Eva conversed with neighbors who so admired the Abbasi children’s progress that they bartered services with Eva to tutor their children as well. As school let out for the summer, the children looked forward to something to do with their days. The neighborhood women took her to shop and along on family visits to other parts of Iran tha were not very curious about her citizenship. Sometimes she claimed she was Canidian because it was easier.

Unable to receive pay because of her visa status, the community saw to it that Eva had everything she needed. They collectively pitched in for a doctor’s care when she got a serious bacterial infection in a cut on her knee. Eva longed for free arms and hair, and she knew at some point she would have to find another home, but for now, life was working out rather well.

When the school year began again in September, and Eva’s days emptied, Zenda Abbasi approached Eva. “You’ve been doing an excellent job with the children, but I can see you know how to do much more.”

“Are you telling me it’s time to leave?” She’d hoped she would have at least a year with the Abbasis. Besides, she loved this family, especially the children.

“No. Quite the contrary. We want you to do more.” Zenda took both of Eva’s hands in hers. “If it would not be too much burden, that is.”

Surprised, Eva hugged Zenda. The Abbasis had saved her life and supported her every need, yet they feared they would burden her. How had she been so lucky to happen across the right taxi driver? Then she realized Kourosh enjoyed making the airport runs but despised Carrie Breun. Suspicious, he had placed himself there to check on the workings of the DJH. “Of course. What can I do?”

“You said you worked with kidney sellers before and learned of abuses. In our clinic, we must focus on recipients, that’s clear. But we want to be sure we protect our donors. Would you help us with screenings?”

“My Persian isn’t that good yet.

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