Afghani Sad Short Film Silence and Tragedy 2023| I Am Out Of Breath

"I am out of breath" A Story of Silence and Tragedy

As we embarked on our journey from Herat to Kabul, my wife made an unusual request to briefly remove her veil or burqa. Though I didn't fully grasp her reasons, the oppressive heat inside the car was evident. Without protest, I obliged. She insisted, saying, 'I'm out of breath...'

In the car, several bearded men sat both behind and beside us, but they never spoke to their wives throughout the trip, as if they weren't even present. The women remained obedient, more submissive than machines, more helpless than any creature. I gently reminded my wife that unveiling here was not appropriate; no woman does so. It's strictly prohibited.

She responded, 'I'm just drinking water, I'm not feeling well.' I emphasized that a few sips of water didn't justify revealing herself to the men in the car. I endured the discomfort and everything hidden beneath her burqa without complaint.

We stopped for prayers, passed bustling bazaars and markets, and walked for hours. My wife remained silent, refraining from drinking water. Darkness had fallen upon Kabul when we finally arrived. Everyone disembarked, but she didn't follow suit. Instead, she leaned her head against the window, inciting my frustration.

Frustration led me to question her loyalty, 'Do you fancy the driver?' Her response was silence and immobility. Anger welled up in me, believing it stemmed from my refusal to let her take off her burqa. I turned to touch her arm, only to find her lifeless, her face pale, her breath absent.

Until that moment, I hadn't realized how fragile a woman's life could be..."


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