Summary

270-272 - After the rice was collected, Raami was assigned to keep track of chickens and eggs, weave baskets, plant vegetables, and complete other tasks. Grandmother Queen, festering in her own bedsores, was dying. She pretended to be Arun who had brought Ayuravann to see her. Grandmother Queen responded, “I see him” (271). Raami bowed to Grandmother Queen after she passed away. Raami was angry that she could not die with her children around her like she deserved. The next day Big Uncle came home to collect Raami. The next day, Big Uncle took her back with him to a remote work camp. There, Raami watched people cut into the earth, working to build a tall hill.

273-277 - Raami watched the workers, but could not see her mother. She felt strange under the hot sun, in the dry, dirt-filled air. Temporarily, Raami did...