Marwa Hajji Laamouri, 17, Casablanca -------------17 years ago-------Ring Ring Ring ! Slow steps approached behind the closed door. But that, I couldn’t have aknowledged for sure, I was wrapped up in a cosy furr cover, deeply asleep, occasionaly tore out of the magical world of dreams. As dreams and reality blurred into one confusing mixture of senses, I could still make out but one well known feeling : the warm arms of « yaya ». At the time, my mouth and throat, joining forces, could only bable a few sounds. However, luckily, I stayed around long enough to eventually give a name to the woman who woke up every day to take me from my mother s arms and take care of me for the rest of the day. That name, even though childish, I have kept until now in fact. To that name I also owe the recognition by everyone of the special relationship that links us. « The little daughter of Saadia », that’s what others call me. --------The present moment-------I have two mothers, and two families. It is what I have always told everyone. Who could have predicted that the woman who was only supposed to be there for a very short period of time, would always be in my heart ?! Probably all of those who knew her. Our relationship evolved naturally. Not a day would pass without me climbing the stairs two by two to get to her appartment on the third floor. Arrived there, I would feel like home, no in fact that is too far from reality, for I had never thought there was a difference between my actual home and there. When I was younger I used to go on my own, but as I grew older and began to bring loads of homework home, I started to go whenever time would permit it with my mom. Unfortunately, time will never again allow me to pay her a visit for her presence on earth is sealed in the past : she passed away last year. However a little trip down the memory lane will surely be enough to peint you
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