Chapter Eight Summary

The relatives leave, with Babamukuru, Maiguru and Nyasha being the last to go. Tambu stays to help as her mother is ill. She feels anxious at being away from Nyasha for three weeks, until the beginning of the school term, but is strangely relieved when only her immediate family, Takesure, and Lucia remain at the homestead. Lucia says that she will leave or stay, depending on what Ma'Shingayi wants. Ma'Shingayi finally says that she's crossed the country and lived in poverty for nineteen years, and that she can do it for another nineteen and even for nineteen after that, if need be. Tambu works hard during her stay. When Babamukuru returns to pick up Tambu, he notes the repairs Tambu did and compliments Jeremiah on a job well done. Jeremiah accepts the praise, elaborating on how difficult the work was.

Ma'Shingayi...