The Cyclist

The wife of Nasim an Afghan immigrant in Iran is gravely ill He needs money to pay for her care but his day labor digging wells does not pay enough A friend connects Nasim to a twobit promoter who sells tickets to watch Nasim ride a bicycle continuously for a week The promoter brings in sick and aged spectators haranguing them to find hope in Nasims strength Aided by his son who feeds him as he rides Nasim grinds out the days and shivering nights Local officials believe this may be a plot and Nasim may be a spy they try to sabotage him as do those who bet he wont finish the week Will desperation alone get Nasim the money Is any triumph an illusion