Summary

When Darius wakes the next morning, it is Nowruz, the Persian equivalent of Christmas. His family instructs him to dress Persian Casual for their celebration, which constitutes anything from upscale business-casual to practically black-tie. When his relatives arrive, an uncle teases Darius about his belly, making Darius feel ashamed of himself. As everyone takes photos together, Babou inexplicably starts shouting at Mamou. The outburst causes her to cry and abruptly kills the merriment. Afterwards, Darius makes tea and asks his aunt questions about the Bahrami family, which Sohrab translates.

Later, everyone exchanges gifts in celebration of Nowruz. Sohrab gives Darius his favorite gift of all, a Team Melli soccer jersey. At sunset, they all share a feast. Darius helps Stephen tackle the mound of dirty dishes from dinner after everyone finishes eating, and the night ends with joyous dancing that Darius watches enviously from...