Summary

The next poem is titled “Expectations.” Reha is “expected to focus on my studies, / which I do” (51). She notes that “My family did not come to America/to be mediocre” (51). She lists other expectations, including that she is not allowed to date or notice boys. She hears lots of music about love and heartbreaks, and wonders what it would be like to follow her own heart.

In “Hero,” the class discusses heroes in literature. Pete asks if being the son of a king necessarily prepares one to be king. Reha wants to ask, “Why can't women be heroes” (52). Instead, she quietly takes notes.

In “Separate,” Reha examines the relationships between traditional Indian couples. They spend weekends together with groups of friends, always including their children. This is unlike American couples who have date night, leaving their children with babysitters such as Reha. The...