Chapter 36

Summary

• Yara congratulates Silas on gaining joint custody of his daughter with the phrase "Alf mabrouk."
• They are on a picnic celebrating Silas's custody win, with Yara reflecting on not fearing judgment from others anymore.
• The setting is described as scenic with a beautiful lake view, students picnicking nearby and the air filled with fresh, floral scents.
• Silas shares the outcome of his morning hearing and his anticipation for spending time with his daughter Olivia again.
• Silas and Yara discuss the divorce, custody arrangements, and the impacts on Olivia.
• Yara recalls a previous encounter with Olivia and reflects on her daughter's reaction amidst the divorce.
• The narrative shifts briefly to Yara's strained relationship with her husband Fadi and their superficial daily interactions.
• Yara contemplates on her and Fadi's upcoming anniversary and their lack of real communication, feeling uncertain about everything.
• During the picnic, Yara ponders the hardships of divorce and dealing with divided allegiances as a child.
• Yara internally compares her situation with Silas’s determination to be a good father post-divorce.
• Silas inquires if Yara would consider divorce, stirring a discussion about her family's views and personal fears.
• Yara reflects on the consequences of divorce within her family and her mother's affair from her childhood.
• Yara feels guilty for not revealing her friendship with Silas to Fadi and worries about resembling her mother.
• Silas suggests honesty with Fadi might relieve Yara's guilt, but she is apprehensive about causing more tension.
• Yara observes Fadi's distant behavior upon his return home, suspects unspoken issues, and compares her marital dissatisfaction with the comfort of her friendship with Silas.
• While contemplating disclosure to Fadi about Silas and her desire for a different marriage dynamic, Yara keeps silent fearing Fadi's reaction.
• Yara second guesses her concerns about their relationship, attributing issues to her tendency to overthink.
• The chapter concludes with Yara alone in the sunroom, contemplating her feelings and focusing on her painting amidst her personal turmoil.