Part I: Section 21 Summary

Early Sunday, Behrani carried a tray with hot tea to his son's room. He tells Esmail that Kathy lost the house because she had not paid her taxes. Esmail asks whether they were rich in Tehran. Behrani's answer is "yes and no." On Monday, the fog rolls in, and Soraya takes Nadi to lunch. When Behrani looks, he finds that Esmail and his skateboard have gone, too. Behrani's first housing prospect cancels. He notes that Nadi makes all the rooms look as though she were expecting special guests.

Part I: Section 21 Analysis

Behrani does not enjoy lying to his son; he justifies it as being the only way to protect Nadi. Behrani thinks people are more likely to spend money in good weather and so is distressed by the fog. His expectations are realized when his first prospect cancels...