A Handful of Dates

As the story commences, the boy firstly mentions that the his grandfather brought him along everywhere- except in the mornings when he'd learn the koran at the mosque. Not only though did the boy have a passion for the koran, he enjoyed swimming in the river as well. When tired, he'd sit, gaze in the water, and let his imagination take over. The boy would picture himself like his grandfather - tall and thin, with a white luxuriant beard and sharp nose. He loved and idolized his grandfather, as he symbolized everything related to purity and beauty.

When asked about their neighbour Masood as to why his grandfather didn't like him, he states that “he's an indolent man,” of which he didn't like. The feddans, date palms, and trees were just given to Masood, inherited by his father- though the boy was not concerned about who owned it. He discovers that two thirds was presently his grandfather's, relinquishing the assumption that the land belonged to him since God's creation. Pity was felt towards the neighbour. After asking the reason why Masood sold the land, grandfather ungraciously replied “women,” for he married multiple times.

A number of people attended the harvesting of the dates, but the boy couldn't remove his attention from his neighbour who stood with no concern. Whilst attentively caring for for the dates, the grandfather falls asleep.

After awakening, grandfather makes his way towards the finished sack dates, followed by the merchant, another owner, and strangers. As they began to eat a few, the boy received some from his grandfather who gladly munched on some as well. After the sacks were distributed to the attending party, the boy notices that Masood does not receive one. He felt his neighbours pain as well and ran off ignoring the call from his grandfather. He hated his grandfather for he wasn't who he thought he was. After reaching the riverbank, he threw up the dates he had eaten beforehand. All respect was lost.