When I lived in Pakistan, my relationship with my sister was great. My family and I were all happy. Right now we are too, but in Pakistan we were happier. My sister and I had a close relationship. My two siblings and I would always order food together because we stayed awake late at night. We used to order pizza or something else from the restaurant. My sister and I always pranked each other and had so much fun together, but now I can’t because she is not in America.

I have to say, I really miss my sister. I still remember when I was leaving, most of our family was crying. It was really sad and I did not want to go just yet, but then we had to. When I first came to America, I thought I wouldn’t miss her that much, but I do, I really do! I still remember when I used to get in trouble in Pakistan, she would always save me from my parents. Now I don’t have her to protect me, because my sister is still in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, I would always get in fights with other kids, and then my parents would yell at me. I always had my sister there to step in and calm the situation down. However, now she is not here to save me from my parents yelling at me. My sister would always take me to the mall with her friends, even though I was the annoying little brother. Now, I would never take my siblings anywhere with my friends. Looking back, I see how patient and kind she was being.

When we used to go to the mall, we would stay there for hours and not come back until midnight. There was a place, I don’t remember the name, but it was a resort, and in that resort, there were so many pools and restaurants. It was basically like Disney World! I went there with my sister and my family; it was such an amazing memory. I remember everything from those nights, how much we joked around, what we ate, what we ordered; I literally remember everything. I miss making memories like that with my family.

I wish I could go back again and be with my sister and my whole family. It’s tough when I am not with them anymore. It’s crazy that she got married; I kind of regret my parents getting my sister married at such a young age. But oh well, it is what it is, and I have to deal with it. Some days I really wish I could go back to how things used to be. I really wish I could. It’s actually crazy that my sister and I don’t talk much anymore.

My family is trying to get her to America, and I am still waiting for her to come, but it’s really, really hard. People basically have to wait ten years to process. If she comes, we are going to have to spend a lot of money, which is also difficult. The process is very long, and then there are all the interviews. I know all about the process, because I have been through it.

My sister can come here to America, but it would be too much work. Part of the problem, too, is that she is so happy right now. Even though she has her new married life, I know she misses us. I want her to know that we miss her too. I am really sad that she couldn’t come with us to America. We all have to learn that family is really important! If you don’t think this is true, ask the people whose siblings are dead or not living with them. It is true what people say, you only get one family, enjoy them while you can!

© Saim. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.