A Thousand Splendid Suns Pg. 115-138

  In the previous post, I mentioned that Tariq, Laila's friend went away to visit his uncle for thirteen days. Well, he came back. He was late, but to Laila it did not matter. The only thing that mattered was that he was there with her. He was different looking, no hair. His hair had been shaved off, and Laila was surprised at first. She described his head being, perfectly curved and lump-free. What they used to do with each other went back to normal. Upstairs in his room, they would do their homework, make jokes, and build card houses. When he took her up to his room the day he got back, he took off his artificial leg. It was not the first time that Laila had seen him without it. But when he showed it to her, she began to cry excessively. She asked him all sorts of questions, such as if it hurts him. Anyways, after she got back to her house from being at Tariq's, she was getting dinner ready for her parents and her. Then, a knock on the door. Laila's dad told her to go upstairs. News had came from Panjshir, where Laila's two brothers had fought in the army. He told them unexpected news, that both of brothers had died. Her mother was crying in agony, pulling at her hair. Her dad walking around the house so confused. Every time she would try to comfort her mom, she said it seemed like her mom did not realize that Laila was there and still living. Her brothers were always more important to her mom. Few days after the funeral, Laila's dad took her and Tariq to go visit certain areas of Afghanistan. Each place had a story. During their time together, Laila knew her dad cared for her. Yes, he was devastated from the death of her brothers, but he told her, "every day I thank God for you."

I find it so heart warming how Laila feels for Tariq. Wondering how bad the pain is of his missing leg. What bothered me the most was her mother, not caring that Laila was there, comforting her. Laila and her dad are close to each other. I know that the mom loves Laila, but she does not express it or tell her. But for her dad, he reminds her all the time how special she is to him.