Summary

In Part Four, Chapter 13, as “the weeks and months passed,” Hamza’s and Afiya’s living arrangements settled (243). The couple developed a new life together at the house. Hamza took on more responsibility with Nassor’s new Biashara Furniture and General Merchandise business. In the evenings, he and Afiya “talked for hours,” read “old newspapers,” looked “into the future,” and made love (246).

Although times were peaceful, Hamza had recurring nightmares about the war. He told Afiya more about his traumas. She shared more about her trauma, too. They promised never to leave one another, as they could bear no more losses (248).

“Five months after their wedding,” Afiya had a miscarriage (248). Although the loss distressed her, it also made her “feel more independent” and more like a wife and “a grown-up person” (250, 251). She began spending more time outside the house and with friends. Some...