Summary: Laila, Tariq and Babi go on a trip to the Shahr-e-Zohak, also called The Red City. It used to be a fortress, but was later destroyed. They also saw two enormous Buddha’s, that were chiseled into a sun-bleached rock cliff. They decided that they were going to climb the giant Buddha shaped rock. The climb was hard for Tariq, but when they reached the top they realized it was worth it. They could see the Bemiyan Valley, which was covered in beautiful fields. Six months later Laila found out that the Soviets had signed a treaty and were to be out of Afghanistan in nine months.
Laila and her parents go to watch the last Soviets leave the city. Everyone is crowded around, standing in the mud and snow. Laila sees Tariq at this event, wearing a Russian fur hat, that she teases him for. Tariq’s dad had recently had a heart attack that left him weak and tired, so he came alone. Laila and Tariq later when see a movie at Cinema Park. The movie that played was Titanic. During the movie Laila and Tariq talked about marriage and how both of them decided that they never want to get married.
Analysis: The Shahr-e-Zohak is a monument that shows part of the culture of their country. Tariq and Laila are lucky to be able to see it and visit this landmark. This chapter shows a lot of Laila learning about her family and most of all her father. This monument is part of their culture and background. This trip effects Laila because later on the monument becomes destroyed and when Laila returns, it is no longer there. Tariq’s legs were so strained after the long climb, and this effects him because he has to rest, and while he is resting Laila and Babi have time to talk about everything possible.
When Laila and her parents go to see the soviets leave the city, Mammy hold up a picture of the boys. This effects Laila because she does not get recognition from her parents, sometimes she feels that they do not love her the way they loved her brothers. At the gathering many women had pictures of their dead husbands, brothers, or sons. Tariq’s father had a heart attack recently and it effected Tariq because he would mope around, with a heavy face. Laila hated to see him like this. It made her so sad and she felt so bad for him, and his family. At the theater they were playing Titanic, which was a Soviet film that was translated to Farsi. In the movie there is a kissing scene and it was awkward for both Laila and Tariq. They did not kiss, but they stared at each other wondering what it would be like to kiss them.
