Summary

In Chapter 31, “Salima” (II), as Salima continues preparations for Asma’s wedding, she feels a sense of longing for her own parents, who died around the time Khawla was born. Salima’s brother had died ten years before that, fighting as a soldier in the Omani Civil War. In Chapter 32, “Abdallah” (XV), Abdallah recalls his father’s death. Zarifa screamed and cried with grief then, but Abdallah did not cry. Abdallah then thinks of London and Ahmad, the man she eventually married. Salima did not approve of the relationship, as Ahmad was from a lower social class. London and Ahmad divorced after Ahmad began physically abusing her. In Chapter 33, “Asma” (III), Asma wakes up on the day of her wedding. As is customary, Asma remains in her bedroom while her mother and sisters help prepare the wedding tent and the new home for the...