Page 181 - A Woman Is No Man

Fareeda glared, and Isra looked away. Not from shame, but rather to
conceal her pleasure. She couldn’t believe she had spoken her mind and
defied Fareeda for the first time in years.

“Still eating?” Adam asked when he approached them.
Isra passed him a small smile, but Fareeda wasted no time. She cleared
her throat and began. “Tell your wife,” she said. “Tell her it’s time to get
pregnant again.”
Adam sighed. “She’ll get pregnant soon, Mother. Don’t worry.”
“You’ve been saying that for months! You’re not getting any younger,
you know. And neither is Isra. What do you think will happen if you get a

fourth girl? You think you’re going to just stop trying for a son? Of course
not! That’s why it’s important to hurry.”
Adam fumbled inside his pocket for a pack of Marlboro Red. “You
think I don’t want a son? I’m trying my best.”
“Well, keep trying.”
“I will, Mother.”

“Good.”
Adam looked away, squeezing the pack of cigarettes tight. Even though
he was looking out toward the river, Isra could see it in his eyes: he would
beat her tonight. She stared at him, hoping she was wrong, that he wouldn’t
take out his anger on her. But the signs were all too familiar now. First, he’d
beat her loud and hard, shaking with rage. Then he’d reach out to touch her
again, only slightly softer this time, pushing himself inside her. She’d shut

her eyes tight, clench her fists, and keep still in hopes she might just
disappear.