We Are Orphans Here

One thing that struck me about the essay is that people are so resilient, they can come to see anything as "normal." Rachel Kushner, even in her short time in the camp, is not afraid to walk alone as she exits, thinks how "wonderful" and "safe" it was. Baja is very optimistic it is true. However, she gets another view from Baha's friend Adel, the one who speaks the words that give the essay its title, "We Are Orphans Here." Every day he has to see the horrible thing that has happened to his daughter so he can never be entirely optimistic. Likewise, I suspect Baja's wife, who will now have to raise three kids by herself, will have trouble seeing things so rosy. Perhaps positivity is a luxury not everyone can afford.