Part 1: Chapters 7-9 Summary

In chapter seven,Tengo grows more pensive and angry after Frikkie leaves, so much so that even the oubass notices. When Frikkie comes for another brief school vacation, Tengo finds himself reluctant to play with him and angry when Frikkie proves to be taller when they measure their heights. A short time later, Tengo's mother tells the oubass's wife that Tengo is determined to go to Johannesburg for school. The oubass is angry about this because he has put a lot of effort into training Tengo to take his father's place as boss-boy in the future.

In chapter eight, arrangements are made for Tengo to live with his aunt's family in Johannesburg. Tengo is aware of his mother's unhappiness at his departure, but he cannot make himself give up his dreams to make his mother happy. On the day...