House of Sand and Fog

Behrani drives Nadi to San Francisco for a hair appointment and again feels disgusted with the Americans around him. He regards them as weak, ungrateful, and childlike. As they drive home, he half-listens to Nadi’s plans for the party.

Upon returning home, they see Kathy waiting in their front lawn. Nadi believes she is one of the carpenters’ girlfriend, and Behrani plays along, taking Kathy aside and saying she has come to collect some tools her boyfriend left.

Kathy tries to soften Behrani by appealing to his compassion, telling him that the house was left to her by her father. Behrani is unmoved and encourages her to take up her complaint with the county. He takes Kathy somewhat forcefully by the arm and leads her to her car, against her protests. After she gets in, Behrani watches as she drives away.

Kathy angrily chain-smokes as she drives to Connie’s office. The lawyer informs her that her only recourse is to sue the county for damages if Behrani won’t sell. Kathy returns to the hotel and gets a call from Lester, who has broken up with his wife and left his family. He meets Kathy at the hotel the next day, and they share beers in her room.