The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Shekib recalls hearing of a girl being stoned in a neighboring village when she was a child. After three days of no food or water, a guard enters and informs Shekib and Benafsha that they are both to be stoned to death. Shekib is horrified. Benafsha apologizes to Shekib but tells her that she cannot understand why she committed adultery because Shekib does not understand love. She recites a verse that Shekib has never heard. Shekib reflects on the poem: “I knew nothing of that kind of love. I knew nothing about pearls and shells either, except that one had to free itself from the other” (303).

Benafsha spends her time praying and apologizing, while “Shekib swung wildly between anger, panic and submission in those hours” (304). On the day of execution, Shekib hears someone outside say “Stoning. Today. Stopped” and “King. Pardon. Gift” (304). The guard returns. Shekiba will attend Benafsha’s stoning, and then she will be punished. She “will be given in marriage” (304). Shekib is astounded. She suspects that it was Amanullah’s doing. She tries to comfort Benafsha.

They are led out into the bright courtyard where the veiled women of the harem and their guards are waiting.