Summary

In Chapter 41, as Ijeoma and Amina progress through their fourth and fifth years at school, Amina keeps her distance from Ijeoma. Towards the end of Ijeoma and Amina’s schooling, Amina informs Ijeoma and Adaora that a young man has proposed marriage to Amina and that Amina has accepted the proposal. Ijeoma feels shocked and hurt by this news. In Chapter 42, Ijeoma is 19 years old. She has graduated from school and has returned to live with—and work for—Adaora, whose food store is doing well. In Chapter 43, Ijeoma hears news of Amina’s wedding and again feels hurt and betrayed. In Chapter 44, Ijeoma meets a young woman named Ndidi, who is a regular customer of Adaora’s store. Ndidi teaches at a nearby secondary school. They form a friendly rapport.

In Chapter 45, Ndidi begins inviting Ijeoma to spend time at her home. Ijeoma...