Summary

In Book Two, “Fall 1985 - Summer 1986,” “Sabak,” Razia’s mother “taught Quran” to all the neighborhood kids” (41). During these sessions, Razia felt hot and tired. Her mother always noticed when she was not paying attention. Afterwards, Razia hung out with Saima and Shahnaaz. Shahnaaz talked about “the secret things grown-ups talked about” (44). While eavesdropping on the mothers later, Razia heard her mother say Saima’s uncle Azim had stolen from her father’s shop. She swore never to see Saima’s mother again (45).

After her fight with Saima’s mother, Razia’s mother “stopped teaching Quran” (45). Razia was devastated. When she cried to her father about missing Saima, he insisted she could still see her. However, when Razia visited Saima, Saima said she did not want to be friends anymore because Razia’s mother had called her “uncle a thief” and “mother a...