Chapter 18

Summary

• Yara keeps herself busy with work and elaborate cooking to avoid memories and feelings of panic.
• She gets a rare call from her father (Baba) which usually indicates a problem.
• Yara suspects Baba wants her to intervene with her brothers again but discovers he is checking in on her and her daughters.
• Baba asks about her relationship with Fadi, alluding to issues Fadi has raised with him.
• Yara is taken aback by the accusations of her behavior at home, feeling betrayed that Fadi discussed their problems with her father.
• Baba suggests that Yara should make an effort to dress up and comfort Fadi without acknowledging her feelings and needs.
• Yara confronts Baba about blame in their past family issues, but he dismisses her concerns and focuses on her duty to her husband and family.
• Feeling invalidated by Baba, Yara is determined not to let her daughters have a childhood like hers.
• Yara considers making changes, possibly improving her appearance, to better her marriage and communication with Fadi.
• She begins to question her life choices and why happiness still eludes her despite fulfilling expectations.
• Yara contemplates small changes to her appearance, hoping it might make Fadi understand her unease and desire to see the world.
• The chapter ends with Yara taking a hopeful outlook and getting her girls ready, despite the tumult of emotions she is experiencing.