Who is Miriam in the collection, The Haunting of Hajji Hotak and Other Stories?

Miriam is another central character in the story "Bakhtawara and Miriam." Miriam is Bakhtawara's next door neighbor. Although the young women talk frequently through the hole in their common wall, Miriam never leaves her home. Some time prior to the narrative present, Miriam was married to an abusive man. When he caught Miriam sneaking out to visit friends, he threw acid in her face. Miriam moved home afterwards. Though she has had reconstructive surgery, she keeps herself hidden out of shame. Despite her longing to be free, Miriam cannot imagine leaving the confines of her home.