The Kite Runner Chapter 13

    The next evening, Amir and Soraya held an old Afghan-style wedding ceremony. Baba spent nearly the balance of his life saving and gave an amazing speech as he did in the old days. Although his health was worse than ever and didn't have months to live, Baba fulfilled duties as Amir's only parent.

     Soraya was unbelievably beautiful in traditional dress and Amir whispered, ''I love you'' for the first time which made Soraya's cheek bloom red. Baba, Amir, and Soraya were enjoying the happiest day of their life.

     Meanwhile, Amir wondered about Hassan and Rahim Khan. He always remembered them at significant scenes of his life. Amir still couldn't get over past days in Kabul after 10 years.

     Soon after a brilliant wedding ceremony, Soraya started to live together with Amir and Baba. She dedicated herself to taking care of Baba who was desperately sick.

     In the end, Baba died without pain. Remembering his life, Amir noticed how Baba experienced pain and overcame many difficulties again and again. Amir always had been Baba's son but now he needs to find his way. The thought terrified him but the goal was clear. To be a story writer. A little before death, Baba started accepting Amir's dream and enjoyed stories Amir wrote. I felt delighted by how their father-son relationship went well at last.

     Many elements in Chapter 13 implied the difficult relationship of Soraya's family. General Taheri, father of Soraya suffered from blinding migraines and depression. He was fussy about everything, making Soraya angry and his wife cry. Also, General had a strong sense of pride as a past government officer which prevented him from getting the job in the U.S. Soraya's mother was called Khala Jamila and had a very enchanting singing voice. She mastered many genres including man's domain and wanted to make the most of her talent. However, generals never allowed Khala Jamila and Afghan females to obey male.

     Gender discrimination and double standard that favored males were desperate in Afghanistan. Most believed that every woman needed a husband and they couldn't get the opportunity for working outside the house. Soraya thought how women always became victims of gossip was unfair especially because men's behaviors are often worse. One reason Soraya decided to marry Amir was that he was different from any other Afghan man and never discriminated against women.

     Amir and Soraya were working hard to achieve their dreams. Soraya's dream was to be a teacher but generally felt dissatisfied as he wanted her to be ''successful'', similar to Baba in the past. Meanwhile, Amir became a published novelist and what Rahim Khan said finally came true. As their lives became stable, Soraya and Amir began trying to have a child. Soraya's parents put the pressure too but she never became pregnant. After taking countless tests in the hospital and the doctor told them that she has unexplained infertility. Everyone had negative opinions against adopting, general, Khala, Amir, and Soraya each had their reason for not doing it.

Worrying all the time, Amir started to perceive this as punishment for his sins.