I just started a book called The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. In the beginning of the book, he exposes us to Amir, a young boy coming from a wealthy family in Kabul, Afghanistan. He talks about his childhood and his relationship with Baba, his dad. Amir fells as though he isn’t living up to the expectations of his father and he may be disappointed in him. We also get introduced to Hassan, the son of the family’s servant – Ali, and Amir’s best friend. Amir feels like he betrayed Hassan and feels guilty when he got assaulted by Assef, and he was unable to protect him.
“I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in 1975. I remember the precise moment, crouching behind a crumbling mud wall, peeking into the alley near the frozen creek. I had just turned twelve, and i was a coward. I had seen Hassan’s face in that alley, staring at me, waiting for me to act. I was twelve years old, and I did nothing.” pg 1
This quote marks a significant pivot point in Amir’s life, and it brings guilt to him for many years after. He talks about how his lack of actions made his eyes open, and he began to feel guilty, as if he betrayed Hassan. He felt weak and useless – especially when he said he did nothing, twice.