Part 1, Chapters 12 and 13 Summary

It is a particularly hot and dusty day when Uma, having tended to Mama and Papa's every tireless need, finally reaches her breaking point and refuses to attend to one more task. Mama and Papa cannot believe Uma's outburst of exasperation, but they do not follow Uma to her room where she immerses herself in some books won at the Christmas bazaar. Finally, Mama beats on Uma's door demanding that Uma inform the cook that it is time for Papa's coffee and biscuits. Uma grudgingly completes the task and returns to the veranda to deliver the coffee to an astonished Papa.

Mira-Masi continues to visit the family; but Uma notices that the old woman's health and spirit both seem diminished. Eventually, Mira-Masi returns to a temple in the Himalayas to live a singular, religious life and would never see...