This passage is from Chapter 2 'Networking,' when Kaia meets Loo Tao and explains why she needs his help.
What you want to know of kite-making? My friend, Detective Ramon, tell me your friend Fireman Gus say you want to make kite that fly?”
“Yes, I do, sir. But my kite needs to be made only from paper.”
“No wood? Only paper? Why so primitive?”
With no shame in her voice, Kaia said, “Sir, my daddy and I share the same birthday and I want us to fly kites together. “My daddy’s in prison and isn’t allowed wood or fabrics to make such beautiful kites like yours.” Kaia gestured to the kites on the wall and hanging from the ceiling.
Loo Tao studied Kaia. “You most respectful young girl,” he said at last, nodding. “Not ashamed to acknowledge father. His wrong not your wrong.” He smiled. “I teach you. Together we learn how to make a primitive kite.”
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This passage is from Chapter 5, ‘The Hook,’ and reveals Kaia’s letter to Rashid.
Dear Daddy,
I have been working on the plan. It’s taken longer than expected, but I succeeded. Did you know that resounding success only comes after experiencing repeated failures that compel you to keep trying? No matter how frustrated you may get in trying to be nice, Daddy, you must overcome feelings of lashing out like you did to our neighbor Mr. Younger when he called you the ‘N’ word. Humble yourself and grow so you can come home to me and stay home for good. Now, please follow these instructions and you will make a kite that flies, just like the one I made with my teacher Loo Tao. I know together we can fly our kites on our special day. But you need to keep your promise and be nice. I know you will do just that. Abraham Lincoln said, “When I do good I feel good; when I do bad I feel bad; and that’s my religion.” Do good, Daddy. Feel good. I’m counting on you.
Kite-Making Instructions
1. Get a broadsheet of newspaper and draw a diamond pattern.
2. Cut it out.
3. Cut thin strips of cardboard for the kite’s spars.
4. Double the cardboard strips and glue securely together.
5. Fix them to the paper skin.
6. For string, use waxed dental floss. Braid it from three 100-yard tubes of this wonderfully tough, durable, lightweight tether. This will help to cushion the friction against your skin as you let the string out between your fingers.
7. Last, the tail—the stabilizer is fashioned from old worn-out bandanas and handkerchiefs that earn their retirement from cold and flu season.
P.S. I learned a valuable lesson and I gift the teaching to you: small changes and great changes of life take the same effort. Please Daddy, make the changes in your life great, not small. Come home to Momma and me!
