Summary

Chapter 13 returns to 1998. On the bus back north, Claire felt angry and dislocated. Her body felt different. She did not want to be near Claire. She was happy they would be passing through Zaire, but the country was changed when they arrived. War had stolen the place she had lived and loved three years prior (166). Their brief stay was defined by terror. Clemantine grew to hate her body, and refused to eat. She became so sick everyone was convinced she would die. Deciding she was not "going out like this," she recovered faster than expected (170). For a brief time, God became a comfort. After recovering, Clemantine doubted God again. Priests kept telling them they were sinners, and their experiences were punishment.

After Claire gave birth to Freddy, conditions worsened. They had no food, and lived in hiding. The war felt illogical and all-encompassing...