The Kite Runner: A Short Story

“I had one last chance to make a decision. One final opportunity to decide who I was going to be. I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan- the way he’d stand up for me all those times in the past- and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. “ (Hosseini, 2003, p. 77) In the end, I came to the decision to help. Trembling with fear, I stood up knowing that if I stood up for Hassan, Baba would see I’m not who he thinks I am, a boy who can’t stand up for himself or the people around me. I took a peek one last time as Assef’s grunts were ringing in my ears. My thoughts warned me about what was to come...to run and be the cowardice everyone knew I was.But I can’t. I have to do this. I slowly appear from around the

Assef and his goons turned around seeing me standing there. With my legs were beginning to tremble, I backed up a couple steps sewing the anger and hatred in Assef’s eyes. Now standing and fixing himself he smirked, his goons frozen in place. Embarrassment and shock written across their faces. “Look who’s decided to appear from behind his hiding spot.” Assef claims as a few drops of crimson appeared on the snow, “oh look Hassan, you 're ‘best friend’ is here to save you.” Kamal and Wali pulled Hassan up, a hissing sound escaping between his parted lips. Standing there silent, I look between Hassan and the smirking Assef, who was rolling up his sleeve walking towards me. “Amir agha run!” Hassan whispered lowly, so they didn’t hear. But they heard regardless which left Assef to chuckle deeply. “Yes...run Amir. Run like the coward you are. Leave this Hazara to get what his kind rightfully deserves.” Assef says. I open my mouth only for it to close yet again. I gripped the pipe tighter and I stood my ground. I knew that if I don’t do this now, Hassan and I won’t make it any less hurt than we are

Thoughts of Hassan’s words ‘for you, a thousand times over’ (Hosseini, 2003, p.2) ringing in my head. Out of breathe, we stood across each other bloody and bruised. “Why are you sticking up for a Hazara Amir. His kind polluted our watan! He should know his place!” Assef pants, “He is trash! A low life Hazara”. Slowly walk over gasping for air , I hold the pipe tighter in my hand. A little bit of fear present in Assef eyes with each step I took. I raised the pipe once more landing the last blow to his already bruised head. A thud and a groan were heard as Assef falls to the ground, crimson staining the innocent white snow. I was about to land one more blow, but Baba’s words stopped me. ‘When you kill a man, you steal a life’ (Hosseini, 2003, p.18) “This Hazara is my step brother Assef. Brothers stick for each other”. Dropping the pipe, I help Hassan up, my arm around his waist for support. “So think twice before you come after my family.” I gave him one last stare before I walked out the alley. Hearing Assef mumble under his breathe. “You’re going to pay for this Amir. Just you wait”.