Summary

“Vigil” begins with the narrator, Nicki, sitting with Thala, her friend, after Thala’s brother Elvis has just died. Thala has just gotten off the phone with Wale, her husband, who beats her and spends a lot more time with La Mare, his best friend. Nicki remembers calling Thala when she learned her husband, Jude, had had an affair. She drives Thala over to the mosque for her brother’s burial. When they arrive, Thala helps Nicki wrap her hair as is customary at a Muslim funeral. At the funeral, Nicki observes the mourners and notes that Thala cannot pray for Elvis because she is on her period. Then, Wale arrives; he comes over and tells Thala she should not be there, as women typically do not come to these ceremonies, but Thala wants to stay for a little while. Nicki thinks...