Yara hears Fadi coming home at eight thirty and turns off the stove to greet him as their children, Mira and Jude, excitedly welcome him.
Fadi jokes about being tired as the girls laugh and cling to his legs, showing a typical warm family scene.
Yara observes Fadi's charisma and good humor, contrasting it with her own experiences and recalls waiting for her own father as a child.
Fadi notices the smell of dinner ("Mujaddara") and compliments Yara's cooking, comparing it to his childhood meals in Palestine.
Fadi's upbeat mood makes Yara contemplate asking him about going on a trip.
The narrative then transitions to a past event, where Yara reflects on meeting Fadi during arranged marital introductions and their mutual desires for independence and success.
Yara's history of expectations and societal pressures is revealed, including the dismissiveness of suitors to her goals and the cultural saying that likens daughters to their mothers.
Fadi shares with Yara his aspirations of business ownership and their conversation shows they have common ground in their experiences and dreams.
Returning to the present, Yara considers when to bring up the topic of the trip while they shower together, highlighting their nightly routine and her lingering doubts about the relationship.
Yara debates whether Fadi's seeming good mood after a tough day is the right moment to discuss her wishes to chaperone a Scandinavian cruise for students.
Years into their marriage, Yara struggles with understanding Fadi and finding trust, despite his reliability and success as a provider and friend.
In the shower, Yara tentatively brings up the topic of the Scandinavian cruise, hoping Fadi will support her desire to volunteer as a chaperone.
Fadi reacts negatively to the suggestion, questioning who would care for the children and the feasibility of adjusting his work schedule.
An argument unfolds as Yara defends her wish for personal fulfillment against Fadi's concern over practical matters and familial reputation.
Fadi's refusal escalates tensions, leading to Yara feeling misunderstood and unfairly constrained by her roles as a wife and mother.
The chapter concludes with the couple eating dinner silently in their bedroom, Yara wrestling with her unfulfilled aspirations, and contemplating the notion of safety in obedience.
Despite being physically close to Fadi, Yara feels emotionally distant and questions the life choices she has made, ultimately lying awake with a sense of missed opportunities for a different life.