The new turn gave Sam new hope, but no hope the fire water could not by then overcome. The influence of the fire water grew until its scent permeated the house. The very walls, even the frame of house seemed saturated with it, as it were the wick of a lamp.
Mehran’s mother opened his bedroom window and sat on his bedside. She picked up Huckleberry Finn from his bedside table and read several pages to him. She turned to see that he was asleep, kissed him, patted Mehrzad goodnight, and switched off the bedroom light.