- Parvana is in the marketplace, and it feels strange to be there without Father.
- Women are not allowed inside shops, so they stand outside and call in their orders—this would work out just fine for Parvana, except that she may get in trouble for not wearing a burqa.
- If she goes in the shop though, she'll definitely get in trouble for not knowing her place as a woman.
- So she plays it safe, and makes her first purchase—nan—from a street vendor. It smells amazing, and the Parvana is starving.
- Heading for the vegetable stand, she's stopped by a Talib, who yells at her for not wearing a burqa and hits her shoulder with a stick.
- Parvana wonders what her father would do, and then tells the solider to stop hitting her.
- The soldier is shocked by her defiance, giving Parvana just enough time to bolt, knocking over turnips in the process.
- As she runs through the streets, Parvana accidentally careens into a woman with a baby—but as luck would have it, it's Mrs. Weera, a friend of Mother's from the Afghan Women's League.
- Parvana explains that she is running from the Taliban, and Mrs. Weera says that's all fine and good, by why is she manhandling the bread?
- Parvana heads home, and Mrs. Weera comes with her—she wants to talk to Mother about writing a magazine.
- Before entering the apartment, Parvana warns Mrs. Weera that Mother is in rough shape.
- Nooria is disappointment that Parvana just brought home nan. No tea? No rice?
- But no matter—thank goodness Mrs. Weera is here. At least some help has arrived.
- A former physical education teacher, Mrs. Weera has a tall, strong body.
- Encouraging Parvana to work for the team (once a gym teacher, always a gym teacher), she tells her to get some water to clean up the place, and asks how long Fatana (a.k.a. Mother) has been in bed.
- Parvana's arms are sore and her feet are bleeding, but she keeps hauling water until there is enough to clean Mother and fill the tank.
- Famished and thirsty, Parvana take a swig. Nooria tells her she is stupid for drinking unboiled water—but Mrs. Weera is here to coach the whole squad, so she tells Nooria, "that's no way to keep up team spirit" (5.59).
- Mother, still tired, looks much better. She is sitting up, her hair is combed, and her clothes are clean.
- Mrs. Weera offers Parvana plain boiled water. Finally.
- It's sleepover time, and Mrs. Weera and her granddaughter spend the night. Parvana hears her tell Mother about her run-in with the Taliban and Mrs. Weera says they will have to come up with a new plan.