Page 195 - A Woman Is No Man

“Why do I have to stay at home and raise the children? Why do I have
to give up my dreams?”
“Because one of us has to do it,” Nasser said, seeming confused. “And

of course that should be the mother. It’s only natural.”
“Excuse me?”
“What? It’s true. I’m not trying to offend you, but everyone knows it’s a
woman’s job to raise children.”
Deya pushed herself up from the table. “See? That’s exactly what I
mean. You’re just like the rest of them.”
Nasser stared at her, his face contorted with shock and anger—and

something else. Deya wasn’t sure what it was. “I’m not trying to upset
you,” he said. “I’m only telling the truth.”
“What’s next? You’re going to beat me and say that’s natural, too?”
“What are you talking about?” Nasser said. “I would never put my
hands on a woman. Maybe that’s how it used to be, but I know better.”
Deya observed him. He sat up straight, breathing heavily, a spot on his

forehead flushed pink. She cleared her throat. “What about your father?”
“What about him?”
“Does he beat your mother?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“He does, doesn’t he?”
“Of course not!” Nasser said. “My father would never beat my mother.
He treats her like a queen.”

“Sure he does.”
“You’re being really rude, you know that? I know you’ve been through
a lot, but that doesn’t give you the right to talk to people like that.”
“What do you know about what I’ve been through?”
“Are you kidding me, Deya? Everyone knows everything in this town.
But just because your father beat your mother, that doesn’t mean every man

beats his wife.” Deya stared at him, and he scoffed. “I mean, for God’s
sake, it’s not like he didn’t have a reason!”
It was as though he’d smashed a brick into her face. “What are you
talking about?”
“Nothing.” Nasser stood. “It was nothing. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m
sorry.” He walked toward the doorway without meeting her eyes. “I have to
go. I’m sorry.”