Contents
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Overview
After Sohrab’s suicide attempt, Amir endures a harrowing hospital vigil, prays for the first time in years, and learns Sohrab survives. Sohrab, traumatized and exhausted, retreats into silence despite Amir’s promise of America.
In California, Amir confronts prejudice within the family, post‑9/11 reshapes their world, and a New Year kite fight coaxes Sohrab’s first faint smile—an incremental step toward healing.
Summary
Amir follows doctors as Sohrab is rushed into emergency surgery, then is forced to wait. In panic and guilt, he prays for the first time in years, bargaining with God to spare Hassan’s son. After hours, Dr. Nawaz reports Sohrab lost much blood but is alive. Amir weeps with relief and keeps vigil in the ICU until Sohrab is stabilized and moved to a regular room under suicide watch.
At Sohrab’s bedside, Amir tries to connect—bringing a Shahnamah and recalling Hassan—but Sohrab is withdrawn, lightless, and says he is “tired of everything,” wishing for his former life and even that Amir had left him in the bath. Amir apologizes for breaking his promise about the orphanage and promises a U.S. visa and a home with him and Soraya. Sohrab does not accept or refuse; he simply turns away.
Amir secures lodging and, within a week, flies with Sohrab to America. Back home, Soraya lovingly prepares a room, but Sohrab remains silent and distant. When the General and Khala Jamila visit, the General questions the presence of a “Hazara boy.” Amir reveals Hassan was Baba’s son and declares Sohrab his nephew, forbidding the slur, ending the family’s denial.
Months pass in heavy silence while the world changes after 9/11. Amir and Soraya channel their energy into reopening a pediatric clinic near the Afghan–Pakistani border. Despite their efforts, Sohrab sleepwalks through life, barely noticed by others.
On a rainy New Year gathering at Lake Elizabeth, Amir buys a kite and recalls Hassan’s skill. Tentatively, Sohrab takes the string. When challenged, Amir executes Hassan’s “lift-and-dive” and cuts a rival kite. For a fleeting moment, Sohrab smiles. Amir offers to run the fallen kite and, echoing Hassan, says, “For you, a thousand times over,” then sprints after it—embracing a fragile, first sign of renewal.
Who Appears
- AmirNarrator; prays during Sohrab’s surgery, brings him to America, confronts General Taheri, and rekindles hope through kite flying.
- SohrabHassan’s son; survives a suicide attempt, withdraws into silence, moves to the U.S., briefly smiles during a kite fight.
- SorayaAmir’s wife; welcomes Sohrab, prepares his room, struggles with his silence, co-manages an Afghan clinic project.
- Dr. NawazPakistani physician who treats Sohrab, informs Amir of his survival, and oversees recovery and suicide watch.
- General TaheriSoraya’s father; questions Sohrab’s presence, prompting Amir to reveal Hassan’s paternity and assert Sohrab’s place.
- Khala JamilaSoraya’s mother; warmly welcomes Sohrab with gifts and joins family gatherings amid ongoing concern.
- Mr. FayyazIslamabad hotel manager; forces Amir to leave after the incident but waives charges, highlighting social pressures.
- KabirAfghan community leader; partners with Amir and Soraya to reopen a pediatric clinic and attends the New Year picnic.