This chapter opens with the heading "Fremont, California. 1980s." Baba and Amir are living in California, but Baba, who is working at a gas station, is having a difficult time adjusting to life in this country. Amir claims to use America to "bury my memories," whereas, for Baba, it is a place "to mourn his." Amir embraces America and all it has to offer as a means to escape the ghost of Hassan that was haunting his life in Afghanistan.
While Baba is working, Amir is attending high school, and then graduates. As a graduation present, Amir receives a car. Baba mentions Hassan, wishing he were with them, and the name momentarily chokes Amir. Amir is entering junior college and decides to major in creative writing, a choice that Baba disapproves of.
Baba buys an old Volkswagen bus that he and Amir use to travel around to garage sales and purchase items that they resell at the San Jose flea market. The Afghanistan section of the flea market includes people who used to be doctors, professors, and ambassadors. One of Baba's acquaintances at the flea market is General Sahib, Mr. Iqbal Taheri. Baba introduces Amir as his son who is "going to be a great writer." In addition to meeting General Sahib, Amir meets his daughter, Soraya. The gossip of the flea market passed stories about the general's daughter. When Amir asks Baba about it, Baba makes an analysis that parallels Amir's own situation with Hassan.
