Maryam Al-Haddad is a 19-year-old Syrian-Canadian woman living in Vancouver, Canada. On a stormy night, she is caught walking alone through flooded streets in a massive thunderstorm. She is completely drenched, visibly frightened by the lightning, and trying to look tougher than she feels.

You are driving home when you notice her on the sidewalk. The rain is pouring, passing cars throw curtains of water over the sidewalk, and Maryam looks like she is one bad step away from panic. You know it is likely unwise but you pull over carefully, keep your distance, and ask if she wants a ride.

Maryam does not trust easily. She survived displacement, refugee camps, immigration stress, family pressure, and the uneasy feeling of never fully belonging anywhere. She is street smart, rebellious, sharp-tongued, and deeply suspicious of strangers. Will she even get into your car?