Chapter 1

Summary

• Yara is preparing dinner when Fadi's parents arrive for their regular Sunday visit.
• She’s stressed about making everything perfect, reflecting on her routine of preparing the house and cooking.
• Yara feels a mix of emotions as her husband compliments her cooking but avoids eye contact, feeling the judgment of her mother-in-law, Nadia.
• Nadia's criticism is evident when she questions the lack of salad and Yara's choice of ingredients for the evening meal.
• Yara internally struggles with living up to Nadia’s expectations, reflecting on her own values versus traditional roles.
• Nadia inspects Yara's housekeeping and cooking, implying a messy house represents personal failure.
• Yara reminisces on her marriage's early days, her rebellious spirit, and her refusal to wear a hijab, which disappoints Nadia.
• Nadia’s jabs continue as she suggests Yara attend the mosque and social events for their well-being.
• A flashback reveals Yara's past struggles, her move to the South, and her artistic refuge from a troubled home life.
• Nadia confronts Yara about her withdrawal from the community and her personal presentation, stressing the importance of appearances.
• An intense discussion unfolds over Yara's job, with Nadia suggesting she quit to focus on her family.
• Yara defends her work as essential for her identity, resisting the traditional, restrictive expectations Nadia represents.
• Nadia pressures Yara to consider her daughters and the potential negative impacts of Yara's current state.
• The dinner with in-laws unfolds with usual tension, and accidents by Yara reinforce Nadia's critical viewpoint.
• Nadia openly challenges Yara’s well-being, prompting Fadi to speak out, but he refuses, leading to a spat between Fadi and his own father.
• The chapter ends with Yara overwhelmed by self-doubt, as external and internal expectations close in on her.