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And Lilys rejection of life in Tehran could have dangerous consequences.
In advance ofThe Last Days of Cafe LeilasApril 18 publication, EW presents an exclusive excerpt, below.
Credit: Algonquin Books
Excerpt fromThe Last Days of Cafe Leilaby Donia Bijan
Noor hatched a plan.
The idea of going swimming excited her.
Under baggy coats they wore swimsuits beneath t-shirts and jeans and covered their hair in matching headscarves.
They undressed and hung their towels on the line of hooks above a row of wooden benches.
They came out of the changing room still laughing and stepped out into the bright sunshine.
Shes fifteen, Noor offered.
Bold now, she asked if their daughters were joining them.
A woman with dyed reddish hair in a loose bun and wearing big designer sunglasses shook her headno.
My girls are in America.
They have swimming pools in their backyards!
You must miss them so much, said Noor.
Yes, they have two enchanting little girls I havent seen in three years, she replied.
Do you have more children?
the redhead wanted to know.
No, just one.
They searched Noors face to guess her age.
You should have more, they chanted in unison.
People felt obliged to offer their opinions.
Shed had a few miscarriages after Lily, then given up.
Her vessel tipped and she dropped back smoothly below the surface, exposing darling pink toenails like periscopes.
Two were already lounging on their towels and waving to the newcomers.
Excuse me, maam, are you a swim instructor?
asked the oldest in the group.
Noor laughed, Me?
Oh, no, sweetie.
Oh, well, Id be happy to teach her but my daughter here is really the better swimmer.
She turned to Lily, Dont you think you could teach swimming?
Lily worried about how they would communicate, but there was hardly a need for words in swimming.
They nearly had the pool to themselves, as most women were sunbathing.
Bahar, only a year younger than Lily, was reluctant at first.
But Bahar solemnly shook her head, No dive.
she cried and Bahar flew into her arms submerging them both and they rose to the surface laughing hysterically.
You had a nice time?
Bahar is so funny.
In a half hour you taught her to swim!
Can we go again, Mom?
Do you think shell be there?
Can Karim come, too?
Sweetie, didnt you see there were only women there?
They dont let boys and girls swim together.
I dont get this country, mom.
Like, why is everyone so afraid of women?
I agree, its crazy, but just pretend youre in an all-girls school.
The edge in Lilys voice was back.
Why was her mother so passive?
How could she dismiss this blatant discrimination that was all around them?
Lily, speaking of school, she began, but the words caught in her throat.
Id never go to an all-girls school, mom.
Besides, girls can be so mean.
Oh honey, you saw how nice Bahar and her friends were.
She hurried along, emboldened by the turn in their conversation.
Youd like school here, they will love having a friend from America.
Come September, youll be quite the celebrity.
Wait, what are you talking about?
She stopped walking, all the color drained from her sun-kissed cheeks.
She pulled her hand away and held it over her mouth, a storm gathering behind her pale face.
Shhh, now calm down, Lily.
Does this backwards country even have child services?
Oh no, of course not, otherwise poor Karim wouldnt be slaving it in that dump.
If it wasnt for your grandfather, Karim would be in an orphanage!
Id rather be in an orphanage and so would he!
kindly listen, Lily, Noor pleaded as Lily tried to talk over her.
So this is your plan, for us to stay here?
Have you even spoken to him?
Just come with me to see the school.
And if you really dont like it, well find another one.
Its probably only for a few months until Baba
Answer me!DOES HE KNOW?
People stopped to look back at them.
Lets go home and Ill explain everything.
kindly dont draw attention, Lily.
Im not going anywhere until you answer me because if Dad doesnt know, your little experiment isover.
How many times has your precious father called you, huh?
If I didnt leave him a message to call you Noor caught herself.
They absolutely needed to get off this street and she grabbed Lilys arm, pulling her home.
