The Museum of Failures

Remy and Shirin move back into the apartment, and things get both better and tougher. Shirin is more settled and responds well to Gladys, the day nurse Remy hires; however, Remy worries about Shirin falling sick again and having to rush back to the hospital. He also misses dinners and conversations with Jango and his friends; they now have to stop by the apartment for lunch and tea.

Gulnaz, Remy’s friend, comes over for lunch one day. She asks about how things are with Shirin, and Remy is surprised that his friends know about his strained relationship with her. Gulnaz recounts an incident that Remy can’t remember when he came home from school bragging about his stellar report card. Instead of being proud of her son’s achievements, Shirin lashed out at him and told him to be humbler.

Gulnaz asks if Remy still visits the fire temple. Remy asserts that he is not religious, and Gulnaz is disappointed that he doesn’t wear his “sadra and kusti” (undergarments and a girdle) either (174). She insists on taking him to the temple right away, and although he is apprehensive, Remy indulges her. They offer their prayers there together, with Remy chanting the words from muscle memory.