Zaina wobbles across the vibrant, sunny yard. She carries a giant silver bowl of syrupy sweet vermicelli. A long wooden table waits for the feast right under the tall palm trees.
She hums a happy little tune as she works. The rich scent of roasted almonds and sweet cardamom fills the warm air. She carefully rests the heavy dish perfectly into the middle of the table.
The colorful string lights switch on with a tiny click. Then—plop! A heavy, cold raindrop lands squarely on Zaina's nose.
The bright sunny sky turns gray in seconds. A fierce wind rips through the busy yard. Paper napkins fly through the air like frantic white birds.
Zaina squeezes her eyes shut against the sudden shower. She tightly grips the edges of the flapping tablecloth to anchor it down. The wind howls louder and louder between the houses.
The neighborhood guests turn back toward the street. They pull their jackets up over their wet heads to hide from the downpour. The wonderful yard party is washing completely away.
BANG! Loud thunder rattles the sky overhead. "Wait!" Zaina shouts over the roaring noise. She snatches the huge mixing bowl back into her arms.
She fiercely marches straight across the wet grass, ignoring the squelching mud. The heavy wooden front door stands wide open. She stomps out of the stormy rain and steps right into her house.
She pushes the wooden coffee table aside with a tremendous scrape against the floor tiles. She hurriedly tosses colorful pillows everywhere across the large, fluffy rug.
Zaina runs right to the doorway, waving her arms wildly. She points firmly inside with a massive grin. She excitedly shows everyone the dry, cozy circle entirely filling her living room floor.
The guests shuffle inside out of the cold, hastily peeling off their damp, muddy shoes. They eagerly squeeze together onto the bright floor. Everyone settles down cross-legged on the soft rug to share the meal.
Zaina grins broadly as she hands out sticky, warm bowls of sweets. Dozens of people heavily chatter and laugh over the stormy outdoors. The rain pounds the tin roof, but indoors, they hold the brightest Eid party on the entire island.
