Summary

Chapter 13 begins with Kike and Adunni having their first conversation since Adunni’s marriage and their cohabitation. They speak optimistically about dreams of being teachers and tailors despite being forced to marry. Together, the two girls discuss using men and their cultural authority to achieve autonomy, and the value of using their minds to develop their ambitions in private.

The day of Kike’s wedding, Khadija convinces Adunni to come with her to see a midwife outside in Kere village. On the way to the bus, Khadija becomes ill with pregnancy pains and feels the baby coming early. As they leave Ikati and enter Kere village, Adunnis anxiety increases, deeply suspicious of the situation. Arriving at Kere village, Khadijas pain worsens and she instructs Adunni to knock on the door of the house close by while she waits under a guava tree, unable...