Summary

The next chapter is titled “Neem.” Tilo continues to worry about what people will think about the young Raven with an old woman out in public. She uses an array of spices that evening, including neem on her face. She is disappointed with the outcome. The voice tells her the spices are only slightly effective without the proper words – words Tilo could use to change herself. Tilo is thinking about it when she realizes this would be her total doom. The voice then says, “We are patience. We know you will come to see us soon” (202). Tilo wants to know why she has to choose between the spices and Raven. There is no answer.

Tilo dresses in the brown clothes that she bought to go to Geeta's office. She now sees them now as drab and dull. Raven arrives with a beautiful dress. She...