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Corona, Queens, New York

This is the place where Razia grows up. It is where her community is. It represents community, safety, family. It also represents feeling trapped and a pre-determined life that Razia does not want.

The Kitten

This is what is in the shoebox that the Old Italian gives to Razia and her friends. It represents fragility, one of Razia's secrets that she keeps from her mother, and the ease and gruesomeness with which fragility can be destroyed. It represents some of the sadness that informs Razia's childhood.

Cherry Tree

This is where Razia hides and spends time after her mother gives birth to Safia. It represents a secret relief, a place where Razia can stand back from her life and watch it go by. It represents a healing and a bittersweetness between Razia and her mother.

Clock Radio

This is a device that is given...

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