Ana sits at the table, her school uniform crisp and her hijab neatly pinned, glancing nervously at the clock. Her mum, Mrs. Khan, busies herself at the stove, while her brothers, Hadi and Saad, squabble over toast.
"Mum, do you think anyone will notice if I wear my new hijab today?"
"Wear it proudly, Ana. Your faith is nothing to hide," she answers, pressing a reassuring hand to Ana's shoulder.
Ana walks alone, clutching her backpack tightly, eyes lowering as a few classmates glance her way and whisper. She overhears snatches of conversation, some curious, others mocking.
Emily, a classmate with bright red trainers, approaches hesitantly.
"Ana, is it true you can't go to the school dance because of your religion?"
"It's not really about not being allowed. It's just... different for me, you know? My family and I have our own celebrations," Ana replies, her voice quiet but steady.
Mr. Khan, Ana's father, arrives home, his hands rough from factory work, fatigue in his eyes. The conversation drifts from schoolwork to stories of Uncle Imran and Uncle Tariq in London.
"Your uncles have found balance, Ana. You will too, Insha’Allah," he says, offering an encouraging smile.
Ana[/@ch_1] and her family enter the softly lit mosque. The air is filled with the gentle murmur of prayers and the scent of clean carpets.]
Ana sits quietly beside her mum, listening to the imam’s sermon about patience and strength. She watches families greet each other, feeling both comforted and aware of her own questions.
"Faith isn’t always easy, Ana. But you have a community behind you," whispers Mrs. Khan, squeezing her hand.
Ana[/@ch_1] and her family visit Uncle Imran's home, where laughter spills out the open windows.]
Her cousins share stories of blending cultures—celebrating Eid with friends from school, joining sports teams, and learning to stand up for themselves. Ana listens, hope kindling inside her.
Samira, her older cousin, leans in with a gentle smile.
"Don’t be afraid to show who you are, Ana. People will respect you for it if you respect yourself first,"
Ana[/@ch_1] sits at her desk, journaling by the soft glow of her lamp, her reflection calm in the window.]
She recalls her family's support, her friends' questions, and the encouragement from her cousins. With a deep breath, Ana decides to join the school's debate club, eager to share her story and listen to others.
"Tomorrow, I'll be myself—both Muslim and British. Maybe that's my real strength,"
