The Patience Stone

From The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi:

As in life, my daughter, for this story to have a happy ending there must be a sacrifice.  In other works, somebody's misfortune.  Never forget, every piece of happiness must be paid for by two misfortunes. 'But why?'  I asked with naive suprise.  He replied with simple words:  My daughter, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, not everyone in the world can attain happiness, in real life or in a story.  the happiness of some engenders the hardship of others.  It's sad, but true.  So, in this story, you need misfortune and sacrifice in order to arrive at a happy ending.   But your self-regard, and your care for your loves ones, prevents you from considering this.