The chapter recounts a memory from Yara's journal, taking place in a Brooklyn apartment where she and the person she is speaking to are rolling grape leaves.
The atmosphere of the memory is described vividly, with the sun setting outside and a faint breeze coming through the window.
Yara inquires about a necklace that the other person is wearing, prompting them to share its origin story.
The necklace was given to the other person by their mother (Yara's grandmother) who was superstitious and once sewed a hamsa bead around the handle of an oud to protect from envy.
Yara expresses a desire to wear the necklace for protection, which causes discomfort or fear in the other person's expression.
The other person, seemingly Yara's mother, explains that she feels unable to protect Yara or teach her necessary life lessons because she herself was never taught them.
Yara's mother regrets not knowing how to protect Yara and feels that she only knows what it is to be cursed.
An emotional moment occurs where the mother looks down, tries to hide tears, and wishes she could have done things differently.
The mother expresses hope for Yara's future, believing that Yara will be able to do things better and sees goodness ahead for her.
Yara's mother uses the phrase "Inshallah," which means "God willing," to express her hope for Yara's bright future.