"Hope." — Tahereh Mafi quote meaning

“Hope.”

“Kenji has a hand pressed to his mouth, desperately trying to suppress a smile. He’s shaking his head, holding up a hand in apology. And then he breaks, laughing out loud, snorting as he tries to muffle the sound. “I’m sorry,” he says, pressing his lips together, shaking his head again. “This is not a funny moment. It’s not. I’m not laughing”

“Slipping off the mattress and onto my knees, I clasped both hands together and bowed my head. With eyelids squeezed tightly shut, I whispered in the darkness, not wanting my mother to overhear. My lips barely moved, offering up a simple prayer. I hoped God would take a moment and listen to these softly spoken words. With complete sincerity I begged the Lord…”

“Behind us, the man laughed. "Looks like we aren't the only ones looking for a little diversion. There's an empty office right over there, guys.”