Summary

The funeral for Saeed’s mother is small and discreet. Nadia’s presence around the apartment raises questions among their guests, but no one says anything. Saeed and his father both pray extensively. Nadia calls Saeed’s father by the name “father,” and she feels towards him like he is “a beautiful memory one knows has already commenced to fade” (80). The apartment is filled with objects that remind Saeed’s father of his wife, and that inform Nadia about Saeed’s own upbringing. When Saeed’s neighborhood falls to the militants, Nadia and Saeed begin thinking seriously about their escape plan, about the doors, or about “nothings” (82), like Saeed’s haggard-looking toothbrush. There is no longer any electricity, piped gas or water, or any municipal services whatsoever. Nadia’s building is in a state of utter collapse, though she rescues her most prized possessions...