- Great idea: let's turn Parvana into a boy.
- She'll be their cousin who is staying with the family while Father is gone, and as a boy, she'll be able to freely buy what the family needs at the market.
- Parvana isn't immediately on board, but Mrs. Weera, Mother, and Nooria think it's a great plan—and to help convince Parvana of its merits, Nooria reminds her little sis that no one will realize she's gone anyway. Siblings, man—not even war can break their pesky stride.
- Mother perks up thinking about the plan. Parvana can wear Hossain's clothes. Might as well put them to use, right?
- Parvana points out that the plan can't possibly work because she has long hair, but Nooria is happy to fix that. Where are the scissors?
- Parvana tries to argue that Nooria should take this on since she's the oldest and all, but Nooria promptly points out that she has a couple of body parts that would blow her cover.
- Mrs. Weera tells Parvana that the decision is hers to make, but also points out that she is the only one that can pull it off.
- Fine. Parvana concedes, and she and Mother go into the washroom so Mother can cut her hair.
- Mother offers to tie the hair in a bow for her Parvana to keep, but Parvana's all no thanks.
- As her hair falls to the floor, Parvana feels like a different person, and everything seems bigger—her forehead, her ears, her eyes—but she's okay with it.
- In fact, she notices, "I have a nice face" (6.39).
- After that, Parvana puts on Hossain's pale green shalwar kameez. Ooh, look—a pocket. Girls' clothes don't have those.
- She reveals her boy self to her family. Maryam is confused for a minute and mother instantly remembers Hossain; Nooria cracks a joke so Mother doesn't cry.
- Mother gives Parvana a white cap for her head, some money, and places her father's "pattu" around her shoulder.
- Not thinking, Parvana reaches for her chador—and when she realizes she doesn't need it, she worries that when people see her face they will see that she is a girl.
- She's afraid, and begs her mother to change her mind.
- Nooria, ever the helpful older sister, pipes in—she knew Parvana wasn't brave enough.
- It's a pretty low blow from someone who literally never leaves the house, but it gives Parvana just the kick she needs to get going, and she storms out of the house.
- She quickly realizes that her family was right: nobody notices her.
- Parvana moves through the market undetected and easily buys groceries.
- Proud and eager to show her family, Parvana enters the apartment only to find Mother staring at the wall again; Nooria shoves the water bucket into her hands.
- Mrs. Weera left, and apparently Mother is depressed—Nooria tells Parvana that, for safety purposes, she should keep Hossain's clothes on.
- Parvana notices Nooria's tired face and offers to help with supper.
- But Nooria doesn't want any help from Parvana, who will only get in her way.
- Mother joins them for supper and tries to be pleasant but she can't look at Parvana.
- At bedtime, Parvana hears Mother whisper, "Go to sleep, Hossain" (6.93).