Sadeed’s mountain rock represents his region of Afghanistan, and the cultural and geographical differences between himself and his new friend, Abby. Bahar-Lan’s mountains are beautiful, but also dangerous and unforgiving. Having lived among them his whole life, Sadeed sees the mountains as a “nuisance” because of their difficult terrain, dangerous weather events, and reputation as a hideout for criminals. Abby, meanwhile, considers mountains beautiful and a fun and interesting athletic challenge. By sending her a small piece of mountain rock, Sadeed is extending his hospitality and friendship to Abby by giving her something emblematic of his part of the world, even though he does not share her feelings about it. This gift shows that, in spite of their differences, Sadeed can appreciate and respect Abby’s perspective.

The soil represents Abby’s home region of Linsdale, Illinois, and her cultural and geographical differences with Sadeed. Abby’s rich, fertile farm soil contrasts sharply with Sadeed’s tough, jagged rock, suggesting that their homes and cultures are very different from each other. Abby’s family has an easier life than Sadeed’s, with more material abundance, thanks in part to the soil on her family’s farm. By giving Sadeed some soil from her farm, Abby invites him to imagine himself in Illinois, and she encourages him to admire the view even though she herself finds it “boring.