83 31 Maman says, “I can’t take it anymore.” She could not put up with Father. Father did not want to be confined in the basement anymore . He wanted to get out. “I want to go and buy one of those tall black things.” Mahin says, “I will buy you a Coke.” “No, I have to go there myself.” “Where is there?” He could not remember how to say where he wanted to go. He said, “Help me remember.” The name of the place was on the tip of his tongue, like hot food. It was as if his tongue was burning. He was stuttering. He put his foot in one shoe and threw his jacket on his shoulder. “I have to go there.” “Where the hell is there?” He grabbed Mahin’s hand. “Take me there!” “Where the hell do you want her to take you?” Maman was beyond herself. “There is water there. It is not dark.” I said, “Park?” He repeated “Park! Park!” He asked me to say it again. “No, no that is not it.” Maman was pounding on his pillow. “Lie down.” 84 | Fariba Vafi Father looked at Maman with fear, and held Mahin’s hand tightly. “I have to go.” Maman screamed. “Go, go and leave us alone. Then go! Hurry up and get the hell out of here.” Father looked at us one by one, though with no recognition . His mouth was half-open, and his dentures were pushing out. His eyes narrowed. We were all looking at him. He was crying. ...