The Smell of Dust, pgs. 163-180 Summary and Analysis

The women bathe and scrub themselves and the children at the baths. Bibi Gul relaxes in the warmth of the pool under Leila's watchful eye. Leila is always busy caring for her mother. At home, she helps with the younger children. After seeing the men and children off, Leila has breakfast, then begins the house work. She feels unwelcome in Sultan's home, as do her brother, mother and sister.

After the baths, the women dress, don their burkas and walk home. Leila never walks alone and is never alone. They arrive home to find that Sharifa has returned. She has brought all of them presents and they all sit and talk about the news and gossip from both countries.

Leila cooks the dinner for them. She is a good cook. She...