How does the family’s life change when Mrs. Weera moves in?

The eighth chapter sees Ellis develop the theme of cooperation when it is revealed that Mrs. Weera is moving in with Parvana’s family. Having both lost or been separated from members of their families, Mrs. Weera and Parvana’s mother create a new family structure based on cooperation and the mutual dependence single women need to survive the Taliban regime. Parvana learns that the woman has lost nearly all of her possessions and family members, yet she retains a matter-of-fact and somewhat lighthearted attitude to her plight, joking ironically that her lack of possessions makes it easier to move.