Chapters 27-33 Summary

The family feels free when Ahmad takes a business trip. Supported by the girls, who want to visit Maryam, Yasin convinces Amina to visit al-Husayn's shrine. Kamal goes along as guide. Amina is like a child with a new toy, but also panics, stepping out. Kamal chooses empty alleys and provides running commentary. The mosque is not as grand as she has imagined, but Amina feels transformed into pure spirit as they enter and are carried along in the tide of women spiraling towards the tomb, praying, touching the walls, and savoring. Guards keep anyone from lingering. Amina exits regretfully. Kamal suggests taking the long way home and sees her fall, grazed by a passing car. A crowd rings her and a policeman wants to take her to the station. She imagines Ahmad threatening her. Claiming to be unhurt, she walks...