Summary

In Chapter 34, the group continues to practice for the talent show. Shirin is grateful for dancing, which has provided a bit of stability in a chaotic year. She feels she owes it to Navid to see this through, and she is surprised to discover it is a big deal. It takes place during the day and the entire student body – some 2,000 students – attends, along with many guests. Shirin's parents “had no idea what we were doing today” (269). Shirin feels her parents never feel she has accomplished enough, and that her mother is always “waiting for me to grow up” (270). Shirin has chosen a special outfit she altered from a resale shop. Shirin loves it. Her mother disapproved, saying Shirin is bound to grow out of this. Only 10 acts are chosen to perform. Jacobi keeps going over his performance while they wait, and all...