“What’s up, Sabiya?”

My tall friend shakes her head with a smile, making the sequins on her festive hijab shimmer.

“Come on, Sabiya. You know you can tell me anything.”

She just smiles quietly.

It’s Eid. She didn’t mention it, but I know the date. Her jocund attitude keeps her from talking about anything that might bring someone’s mood down.

But that’s just it. Her backpack sloped a little lower on her shoulders today, and she sipped from her Starbucks a little slower in Genetics lecture. Her smile fell as soon as she thought no one was looking.

There was no use hiding it. I didn’t have to be Muslim to know you miss your home during the holidays.

I raise my eyebrows in empathy. She’s not going to tell me, and I’m not going to push it.

“I’m sorry,” I say as I give her a hug and join her on the common room couch.

“For what?” she asks with a laugh.

It’s my turn to smile mysteriously. I just hand her my token of support, a bag of popcorn.

She grabs the gift excitedly and flicks on an episode of her favorite show.