The School of Happiness

• Ahmed is hoping to get a spot at the School of Happiness, having received help from Oscar, who provided some documents.
• Ahmed goes to Oscar's apartment building on the Thursday before the holiday break, noticing Farah's shoes outside, before knocking on the door.
• Farah says "Bonjour, Ahmed" from inside.
• Oscar tells Ahmed that Farah arrives home after five, after Ahmed asks if Oscar's mother is here
• Ahmed sees photos of a man, believed to be Oscar's father, who looked strong and big like Ahmed's dad
• Oscar provides them orange Fanta as a drink
• Farah's lips are moving silently, and Max asks her in French if she is ok.
• Farah shows them a piece of paper listing the members of Ahmed's household.
• Farah asks if Reem Nasser is Ahmed's mother's name to which he responds "Oui, Reem."
• Ahmed wants to add his grandfather's and fathers to what is written but dismisses this thought.
• Max and Oscar seem to be coaching Farah
• Farah waves Max and Oscar off and picks up the phone, as Ahmed notices her finger trembling while typing in the numbers.
• Ahmed tells Max to translate Farah, as he doesn't want to harm her honour.
• Oscar asks if this "honour" thing is Muslim talk.
• Ahmed interjects, saying he doesn't want anyone to be in trouble.
• Farah argues with the secretary and Max and Oscar switch to French, leaving Ahmed out of the conversation.
• Farah glares at Oscar, turns to Max, and speaks firmly, giving a knowing glance.
• Max translates for Farah, who says that Ahmed is kind to worry about her and asks where her honour is if she doesn't help a brother.
• Ahmed's voice catches as he recalls a passage from the Qur'an: Allah recognises the mischief-maker from the reformer.
• Farah finishes typing the number and puts the phone to her ear as Even Oscar leans in anxiously.
• Ahmed guesses that the secretary is not there
• Oscar says "She should be" as he looks at his watch.
• Farah greets the secretary with “Bonjour, Madame,” as she shoots her hand up to silence them.

Call with the Secretary

• Farah says “Je m'appelle Reem Nasser" in a lower, more nasal voice, in a way to seem sympathetic to Ahmed.
• Ahmed only understands a few words and phrases: "mon fils" (my son), "il s'appelle Ahmed" (his name is Ahmed); "dix Juliet, 2001" (July 10, 2001 - his birthday).
• Ahmed notes how her accent sounded Arabic, which he hopes will seem real enough to Belgians
• Ahmed feels almost physically ill after this exchange.
• Farah says “Non, Madame,” and argues, but Ahmed barely understands besides the phrase “de Syrie, from Syria."
• Oscar whispers that the secretary thinks Ahmed is too old for class six, but Farah is telling her that he didn't go to school for three years.
• Farah softens her voice and says “Oui, Madame.”
• Farah reaches for the household document and his ID, as the secretary is clearly asking about his immigration status.
• Farah signs off the conversation with “D'accord, Madame, merci.”
• Farah speaks in French to Max and Oscar.
• Max whispers in English, saying, "She's going to talk to the principal and check for open spots.”
• Ahmed curls himself into a ball, holding his knees against his chest and closes his eyes whilst they wait.
• Farah ends the conversation with “Merci, Madame. Je comprends. Au revoir, Madame.” and puts down the phone and smies at Ahmed
• Max asks “Et?” which means, and?
• Farah quietly says “Tu peux y aller” still addressing Ahmed.
• Ahmed is unsure if she said "Aller(Go)?" or that there wasnt any room in the School of Happiness
• Max shouts back with "You're in!" and looks at him with big eyes.
• Ahmed hides his face in his hands.

Ahmed visits Oscar, hoping to join the School of Happiness. Farah is present, and strange questions are asked relating to Ahmed's family. Max and Oscar appear to be coaching Farah as she interrogates Ahmed.