The Roar of the Falls: My Journey with Kaya

The sun is bright the next morning when I enter the garden, the air smelling of warm dirt and cut grass. The other girls are already there, sitting against the fence. I’m holding a box of seedlings. I take a deep breath, and tell them that I have something to tell them.

The girls stop talking and look at me, and for once I don’t look away first. My heart pounds, but I keep my voice steady. I tell them that we all want to do well on the project, and it’s really important. This garden can help the whole community. Together, we can make a big difference. Rachel stands up and steps close to me. I want to step back, but instead I stand strong, planting my feet in the dirt.

A tiny smile curls on Rachel’s mouth. She takes the seedlings from my hands and asks how far apart we should plant them. Then, she marches off to a bare patch and plumps herself down with a trowel.

I respond about six inches, my voice steadier than I feel. I feel so proud, as if Kaya is standing there with me, reminding me of the courage I found in her world.