Chapter Fifteen
by testsuphomeAdminIn Chapter Fifteen of “The Breadwinner,” Parvana reunites with her father, who has returned from prison looking frail and weary. Despite his tattered clothing and drawn face, she recognizes him immediately. Parvana clings to him, overwhelmed with emotion, and is taken care of by Mrs. Weera, who emphasizes that her father needs rest. It takes days of nursing before he begins to recover. As he regains strength, Parvana helps him, changing his bandages and feeding him nourishing soup. When he is well enough to comment, he acknowledges her new short hair, affectionately dubbing her both daughter and son.
Though her father’s health improves slowly, the family spends joy-filled moments together, with Parvana bringing home dinner and sharing laughter, particularly when they jokingly converse about their day. Parvana’s spirited involvement in the market becomes more important as she now feels she is working towards reuniting her family. She shares her aspirations with Shauzia, who wishes to escape Afghanistan altogether, revealing her concerns about an impending marriage chosen by her grandfather.
As the chapter progresses, Parvana learns about the potential existence of refugee camps where her mother might be. Her father, despite his ailments, expresses a strong desire to search for her. They plan a journey to Mazar, signifying a pivotal shift in their lives. The upcoming journey enhances Parvana’s hope. Meanwhile, Mrs. Weera prepares to leave for Pakistan with Homa to join a women’s group, highlighting the plight and resilience of Afghan women.
In a poignant moment, Parvana takes time to say goodbye to the Window Woman by planting wildflowers in the market, a symbol of beauty amidst despair. In the end, as Parvana prepares for departure, she shares an emotional goodbye with Shauzia, promising to meet again, setting a whimsical response in the distant future at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The chapter encapsulates themes of hope, resilience, and the longing for family in the face of adversity. Parvana’s journey becomes a symbol of her strength and preparedness for an uncertain future.
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