Omar in Paris

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Today our plane lands in Paris. Dad smiles in his pilot cap. I am Omar with my red backpack. My camera hangs on a yellow strap.This is our Hello, Big City book. Today we arrive by plane together. Yesterday we were at home. Paris says Bonjour with bright clouds.We ride the metro under the streets. The train is fast and quiet. Signs show lines and colors. Dad taps a ticket and nods.We step out near a wide river. Bridges cross the slow water. Boats glide by with soft waves. I point and count the arches.A street map stands by the trees. I look, turn, and lose my way. Dad is close, but I can't see. My heart is quick, then brave.A girl waves under a red beret. Her shirt has friendly blue stripes. She says, Bonjour. I say, Bonjour. I ask for help. She nods.I am Omar. She is Lea. Lea points toward tall iron shapes. We walk past cafes and posters. Dad spots us and smiles again.We reach a bright open park. The Eiffel Tower rises over trees. We look up at the pink sky. The iron triangles shine like lace.An elevator climbs with tiny windows. People cheer and take photos. I feel small, and I feel brave. Today is bright. Yesterday was quieter.Lea laughs and points to a bakery. Warm air smells like butter and sugar. A sign says Boulangerie in gold. We peek inside the glowing window.A smiling baker lifts golden croissants. He gives me one, still warm. Flakes fall like tiny leaves. I say, Merci. Dad thanks him.I hold my camera with the yellow strap. Click. A picture of the croissant. Click. A picture of the tower. Lea waves behind the paper bag.We ride the metro back together. Dad tucks a tiny ticket in his cap. Paris hums above our train. I can read the map now.We say goodbye and thank Lea. Dad smiles. The tower glows behind us. Hello, Big City, Paris. See you again. I was lost. Now I am okay.

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