Chapters 34-41 Summary

Having to serve Ahmad soon become intolerable, particularly for Khadija, on whom the main burden falls. She resolves that they must convince him to bring Amina home and first tells Yasin that it is his duty. Yasin is afraid his own temper will flare in confrontation—and sulks when the others laugh. Intellectual, controlled Fahmy thinks that male meddling could make things worse and suggests Khadija, who passes to pampered Aisha, who cannot. They decide to ask Maryam's mother for help. This is awkward for Fahmy, so Yasin nominates Kamal. Walking home next day, Kamal takes it serious, drops by his father's office, takes courage, finding him laughing with a customer, but then grows tongue-tied. Told to get lost, Kamal blurts out that he wants his mother brought back, and runs.

Chapter 35 shows Umm Maryam visiting Ahmad. He is sure...