The school hall was bright and full of laughter. Children stood proudly beside their projects, pointing things out to parents and teachers. Maya walked slowly beside Elias, Ava, and Elias’s sister, soaking in the cheerful buzz around her. Everywhere she looked, there were colorful displays, tiny houses made from paper and clay, and happy faces filled with pride.

They stopped in front of Ava’s project. It was a beautiful model house, painted in soft pastels. It had a small garden, a bedroom with heart-shaped pillows, and right in the corner a miniature sewing room.

“That’s my sewing room!” Ava said, bouncing on her toes. “Just like yours, Aunty Maya!”

Maya...