Summary

In Chapter 10, the narrative shifts to Fumbatha working in construction. Alongside other men, Fumbatha lays brick after brick. He thinks about Phephelaphi’s announcement that she is applying to be a nurse at the hospital. Fumbatha does not encourage her and instead tries to get her to focus on their family and their happiness together.

In Chapter 11, Phephelaphi visits Deliwe’s house again. She realizes that she wants to become somebody and understands that “Fumbatha could never be the beginning or end of all her yearning” (64). Phephelaphi remembers destroying the pale green dress that once belonged to Getrude. Phephelaphi thinks about the men that she has met at Deliwe’s house, and revels in their praise for her. Phephelaphi likes to listen to the men talk about places that they do not know. She recalls listening to a man in a green suit...