Prologue
Rhea
“Mama?” I call out as I try to adjust my seating position. It has been over an hour since we left the house, and I am getting cramps from sitting in the same spot. My mother turns her head to glance in my direction before answering, making her voice clear and melodic.
“Yes, Mangalica?” she answers, making me relax slightly at the nickname she calls me. I notice her chewing her bottom lip, indicating that she is nervous and anxious. I frown as I mirror her action, a force of habit I can’t seem to eliminate. She catches sight of me and stops what she is doing. I glance around the car, looking at my father from the backseat of his car. He looks at me for a brief second in the rear-view mirror before turning his attention back to the road.
“Where are we going?” I wonder aloud. I feel my older brother’s hand hold my own, calming me as I await her answer. Anton smiles reassuringly at me and it seems that he knows something. Everyone seems to know something except for me, and it makes me anxious. I hold my teddy bear closer as the rain starts to pour outside, reflecting the tension inside the car.
“Somewhere very far. Farther than here,” Mama’s once melodic and soft-spoken voice changes into a cold and empty one. I glance back at her, noticing the frown on her face and her mind distracted with something. My mind began to run through scenarios and ideas of what could happen. I’ve always known that my parents were hiding something big from me, but they refused to tell me anything about it due to my young age.
My parents both look distressed and on edge, a sign that makes me uneasy. Although someone could cut the tension with a knife, I’m surprised they still hold each other’s hands. I can see Papa rubbing his thumb in circles on Mama’s hand, silently trying to reassure her that everything is okay. I look over to my brother to find him staring out the window, looking apathetic. The atmosphere seems gloomy and cold, and I shiver from lack of body heat. My mother notices the sudden action and smiles apologetically at me, her deep dimples showing in the process.
“Just a few more minutes, Mangalica. We’ll be at the airport soon.” My head perks up with sudden interest. Airport? Are we leaving the country?
I frown. That can’t be true. I’ve lived in Slovakia my entire life. Why are we leaving so suddenly? I turn around to find many packed bags, my mind thinking we are going on a road trip. But these bags weren’t for a trip; they were to leave the country permanently. I suddenly notice the passports and IDs poking out of my Mom’s purse.
“But where are we going?”
“To America.”
