Maya’s Dad had been incarcerated for a long time but she never really understood why. She continued to go to school and play soccer so she did not often think about the changes that happened with her family.

One day at school, Maya’s best friend Kira said they could not hang out anymore. Maya asked “Why?” and Kira said “My mom said your dad is in jail and she doesn’t feel comfortable letting me play with you”.

My mom said we can't hang out together anymore

Why?

She isn't comfortable with me being around you because your dad is in jail.

Maya did not understand why this was a bad thing and was really confused. Other girls overheard their conversation and start whispering about Maya and her family.  

...

Later that day at soccer, one of the girls asked Maya what her dad did to end up in jail. Maya did not know how to respond and stood her she didn't want to talk about it. The girl seemed annoyed by this response but walked away. 

What did he do?

I don't want to talk about it

After school, Maya went home to her mom and was really upset. She decided to ask her Mom why Dad not being home affected her friendship with Kira. Her mom said “Your dad is in jail but that should not affect the way your friends treat you”

Maya felt lonely and afraid when she went to bed that night. It was hard for her not to feel angry towards her dad for leaving her and the effects it was having on her life. 

Maya and her mom were struggling with money since her Dad left and some nights they had to skip dinner and she was really hungry on her way to school. 

I'm hungry

Maya’s mom was struggling financially and mentally because she felt like she couldn’t provide for her daughter. She felt bad because Maya’s dad was incarcerated in a different state and they could not afford to visit him.

Maya also carried the weight and pressures that her mom was feeling. It affected her mood and her attention at school. Her teacher’s notice a change in her behavior and see that she is doing less and less of her work.

The next day at soccer, a new girl named Grace introduces herself to Maya. Grace is really nice to Maya and Maya is scared she will stop being nice once she learns about her father’s status. 

Hi I'm Grace