Summary

Chapter 6 begins a week after the birth of Amal’s new sister. With Mehnaz bedridden, both Amal and Seema stay home from school to help manage the chores and their three younger sisters. Amal looks forward to attending school again in the coming week. Hafsa and her mother, Fozia Auntie, visit Amal’s home bearing homemade congratulatory treats. Fozia Auntie expresses her apologies for the new baby’s gender and wonders how Mehnaz has responded to the disappointment. Amal informs Fozia Auntie that Mehnaz is asleep, and both guests depart. Afterwards, Amal fumes over Fozia Auntie’s insensitive comments. The house loses electricity, and Safa and Rabia emerge from their bedroom, arguing over their dolls. Parvin returns from collecting laundry outside, restoring order in the household. Amal realizes that she cannot resume school while Mehnaz remains incapacitated but insists that Seema return.

In Chapter...