world that he is unable to forget and a world that he lives in presently but is scared to be a part of. In reality Amir was unable to support or help Hassan with his ordeal as he was vulnerable child himself. Instead, he cowers and hides from the distressing scene he had witnessed for fear that he may be the next potential target. Amir succinctly describes the scene that still haunts him:

Assef knelt behind Hassan, put his hands on Hassan’s hips and lifted his bare buttocks. He kept one hand on Hassan’s back and undid his own belt buckle with his free hand. He unzipped his jeans. Dropped his underwear. He positioned himself behind Hassan. Hassan didn’t struggle. Didn’t even whimper. He moved his head slightly and I caught a glimpse of his face. Saw the resignation in it. It was a look I had seen