Like so many of Darius’s other experiences in Iran, dancing is emotionally difficult. It’s fun, but Darius can’t ignore that he’s here dancing for the first time. He implies that he feels on the outs, especially since Sohrab has been here for years and has, perhaps, played the role of a grandson for Mamou and Babou. Then, it makes Darius feel even more alienated to find Dad seemingly fitting in and playing Rook. It’s especially surprising since Dad is playing with Babou, who doesn’t much like Dad. But rather than wonder if Dad is actually having fun and fitting in (or if he’s just pretending), Darius assumes Dad is perfect and, by extension, that he never will be.