Whenever Harish is leaving, Lakshmi does not know what to say. She is very worried for him, then remembers the word that he taught her 'sorry'. She tells him that she is sorry. I think that her heart is breaking on the inside. She loved Harish. Now she knows that he will be out on the streets. He will not have a home, and he surely will not be safe. But most importantly, he will not be there for her. He will not be in Happiness House to teach her English. I think that this is the worst part for Lakshmi. In this situation, she is thinking more about herself than anyone else. Lakshmi always repeats the words 'I am Lakshmi. I am from Nepal. I am thirteen years old.' Harish taught her how to say this. I think these words are a comfort to her. She doesn't totally understand them, they are in another language. At the same time, they are comforting. With most of her life, things that she doesn't understand have turned out to be bad. The words though represent an escape. If she learns the languages she will be able to communicate with others and not be so alone.
An American comes to Lakshmi's room and gives her a card. He tells her that he can get her out of this place. Lakshmi is extremely leery. The girls have been taught that Americans will take them home and make them walk naked in the streets. Mumtaz has truly thought of everything. I think it is so sad that these girls cannot trust anyone who tries to help them. Lakshmi keeps his card because she knows that it is contraband in the house and if anyone saw it, even in the trash, there would be an uproar.
After the raid, Lakshmi cannot find Shahannah. She learns that Shahannah was taken. Why is it that poor Lakshmi loses everyone that she becomes close to? Shahannah was a good friend to her, and she was from the same area as Lakshmi. Lakshmi really has trouble dealing with this. She cannot find a purpose in living anymore. She lays in her bed and does nothing all day. I feel so bad. She must have so much grief to deal with. This isn't just the disappearance of Shahannah, it is the disappearance of her normal life that she is grieving for.
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I think Harish's absence makes Lakshmi realize once again how alone she is. She really enjoyed having someone care for her, and caring for him in return. Now that he is gone, she seems like she is hopeless once again.
I think the American excites her. She is filled with questions because she has been taught that they are bad, but deep down I think she wants to believe that he will help her. His appearance gives her something to look forward to.
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