A Thousand Splendid Suns

In this section, Laila is a beautiful nine year old, and her friend Tariq has left Kabul to visit his uncle. Laila misses Tariq immensely, and time goes by slowly for her. Laila's parents are arguing as they often did. Laila's father, Hakim, is an Afghan history expert. He is often verbally abused by Fariba, Laila's mother, who insults him incessantly. Laila recalled that there was a time when Fariba used to be charmed by Hakim, but now their relationship is based solely in arguments. Laila's brother Ahmad has joined the jihad against the Soviets.