The Stationery Shop of Tehran

Roya and Bahman visit Bahman’s parents after his father has given them permission to marry. The first part of the chapter is narrated from the perspective of Mrs. Aslan, who is bitterly opposed to the match. She dwells on her own success in escaping poverty and breaking into a higher social class, her high opinion of and ambitions for her son, and her disappointment at both his choice of fiancée and his political activism. When Roya asks her if she is feeling better, Mrs. Aslan retorts, “Did you know babies die?” (60) and storms out of the room.

Bahman rests his head on Roya’s shoulder as his father prepares tea and seeks to console his wife in the next room. Roya reflects that Mrs. Aslan’s illness has led her husband and son to perform many tasks that would typically be assigned to women.

Roya and her mother prepare food for the engagement party to be held at their house. Roya speculates about whether she will manage to maintain her close relationship with her mother and whether the house will still feel like home after her marriage.