Read the excerpt from “Ibrahim.”
It wasn’t an ambush. The boy stood still as I approached, which was a relief. I worried I might scare him and have to chase him, which would scare him more. But he stayed put, and I knelt. I smiled. We didn’t have a translator with us, so I did my best.
“Um?” I said, which means “mother” in Arabic.
The boy shook his head. I wondered if he thought I was saying I was his mother. So I touched my chest and said my name.
“Mary,” I repeated, before gently touching his chest.
What is Ibrahim most likely thinking in this moment?
He is too frightened of the strangers to move.
He is plotting with the opposing side.
He is upset by Mary's words and actions.
He is happy to receive help.