The Orange Houses Chapter 2

FATIMA

• On an oil tanker approaching New York harbor, twenty-six days before the hanging, thirty-four refugees huddle together in the backup engine room. They are sneaking into the country in hopes of a better life.
• Most of them are headed to Camden, where immigration police don't bother to go. Except Fatima Espérer—she's dreamed of going to New York City, and that's where she'll end up.
• It's a long shot, but she hasn't gotten this far without hoping for the impossible. Heck, even the last name she chose—Espérer—means hope in French.
• Her biggest dream is to visit the Statue of Liberty. She knows it's a tourist trap, but she wants to see it up close.
• As she gets off the boat, she can see Lady Liberty off in the distance; even if that's all she sees, she knows her trip will be worth it.
• Not everyone feels the same way, though, and another woman claims if this is all she sees, she wants her $2500 back. That's how much each refugee paid to get to America.