Bitter Almonds by Lilas Taha

her eyes. ‘You’re not a child like us. You’re sixteen.’
    Straightening, Nadia examined her profile in the mirror again. Her sister was right, she sure didn’t look like a child in this outfit.
    Collective coughs penetrated the quiet atmosphere, followed by the clatter of dishes.
    Nadia jumped to her feet.
    â€˜What happened?’ Farah followed. ‘Why is Mama apologizing?’
    â€˜I don’t know.’ Nadia approached the closed door. Should she go outside to see? Maybe they needed help. She turned to the girls. ‘Stay here. I’ll be right back.’
    Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stepped out.
    Everyone was standing. Mama coughed non-stop, Um Waleed by her side patting her back. Fatimah held a glass of water, her face ashen and white. Huda was bent down, collecting pieces of broken coffee cups by Um Waleed’s feet. The men shuffled from side to side, staring at each other, seeming confused or lost at what to do. Omar had his back to Nadia.
    â€˜I’m so sorry,’ Mama managed between coughs. ‘The first sip must have gone down the wrong way.’ She looked at Um Waleed’s dress. ‘Did I spill coffee on you?’
    Brushing the front of her plain gray dress, Um Waleed smiled. ‘Spilled coffee is a good omen.’
    Huda straightened. She headed to the kitchen, passing Nadia. Huda sauntered, her back straight, sandals clicking on the tiled floor, lips parting in a strange sideway smile.
    Nadia froze in her spot.
    Omar turned, following Huda with his eyes.
    A cartoon character popped into Nadia’s head, an angry worrier with steam blowing out of his ears. Omar’s menacing look confirmed Nadia’s suspicion. Whatever bad thing had happened was Huda’s fault, and Omar knew it.
    â€˜We are in need of fresh coffee,’ Mama addressed Fatimah. ‘I’m afraid I spilled Um Waleed’s cup in my coughing fit. Be a dear and help Huda.’
    Fatimah collected the remaining untouched coffee cups and hurried to the kitchen.
    Nadia followed. ‘What happened?’
    Huda stood by the stove, arms crossed on her chest, that strange smile stamped in place. ‘Fatimah made a mistake. The salt canister is right next to the sugar one.’
    Fatimah filled the coffee kettle with water and set it on the stove, her movements twitchy, lacking finesse. ‘It’s a good thing Mama Subhia took a sip before Um Waleed did,’ she mumbled under her breath.
    Huda opened the cabinet door above her head and brought down another set of coffee cups. ‘Yes, that was a good thing.’ Sarcasm laced every word.
    Nadia grabbed Huda’s arm and swung her around. ‘How could you?’
    Huda pulled her arm out of Nadia’s grip, throwing her off balance. ‘I didn’t do anything.’
    Mama entered the kitchen. ‘You had better pray Um Waleed didn’t pick up on what just happened.’ She shook a finger in Huda’s face. ‘I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life. I want you to go in there and excuse yourself. Stay with the little ones in the bedroom. Nadia will help Fatimah with the dessert service.’
    Huda opened her mouth to say something.
    Mama shook her head in silent warning. She stepped to the side of the doorway, directing Huda with a nod of her head to proceed in front of her out of the kitchen.
    Nadia approached Fatimah and draped her arms around her waist. ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’
    Fatimah wiped tears. ‘We will see.’ She stirred cardamom-fragrant coffee into the boiling water, watched it foam to the surface a couple of times, and turned off the stove.
    Nadia pulled back and arranged the new coffee cups on the tray. ‘Left or right? I can never tell which way the handles are supposed to be turned.’
    Fatimah approached with the kettle in hand. ‘Your left. The guests should be able to hold the handles with their right