Darius the Great Is Not Okay: Standard Parental Maneuver Alpha Summary & Analysis

According to Dr. Howell, crying is normal and healthy. Hossein, Ali-Reza, and Sohrab’s teasing makes Darius cry. He’s not ashamed of his penis, but he’s also never showered in front of other guys before (though he’s pretty sure he’s normal, thanks to the internet). When Darius gets back to the house, he goes in the back door and kicks off Sohrab’s black Adidas. Babou is in the kitchen and wants to know all about the game and why Darius didn’t invite Sohrab for dinner, but Darius says he’s not going to play soccer again. He says the boys didn’t like him much as tears well in his eyes. Babou takes Darius by the shoulders and just like Dad would do, says that Darius probably misunderstood and that he shouldn’t worry. Darius excuses himself to shower.

Darius cries in the shower so nobody can hear him. Sniffling, he turns on the Dancing Fan and gets in bed. He decides that Sohrab is another Soulless Minion of Orthodoxy. After a while, Mamou knocks on the door and invites Darius to come out for tea and cookies. He insists he’s too tired. Minutes later, though, Dad comes in and says Darius has to come have tea. In the doorway, Laleh agrees with Dad, and Dad tries to pull Darius’s covers off. Darius hisses he’s naked, so Dad sends Laleh away. Once she’s gone, Dad suggests Darius doesn’t sleep naked here—but grinning, he admits he slept naked until Darius was born. They both laugh and it’s awkward, but it’s better than being laughed at. Then, Dad says he’s proud of Darius for playing soccer and making a friend.