Chanda's Secrets

When the convoy reaches their home, Sara's coffin is placed in the main room, on top of an draped ironing board. The funeral package includes two plastic wreaths.

Mr. Bateman works the crowd outside in the yard, passing out business cards and soliciting business. Esther starts the fire in the cooking pit near the tent, while Jonah's sisters begin preparing the food.

Chanda and her mother go inside, to Sarah. For the first time in their lives, Chanda sees her mother cry. They lay on the floor holding each other, and crying. For the rest of the afternoon, they alternate between public stoicism and private wailing.

Chanda appreciate hearing her friends tell them they are sorry. She grates, however, when they tell her it is all part of God's plan. She guiltily wants to ask them if that plan includes them being ugly and stupid.

Chanda reflects on Sara's short life. She had been sick since birth. From colic, to sores, and rashes, she had never even walked - and barely even talked. Chanda wonders if Sara had suffered brain damage from her fevers, or if she had just been in too much pain to participate in the world around her. Chanda's mother had taken Sara to the hospital soon after her birth. She came back with an ashen face, and never took her back. When Sara wouldn't stop crying, Chanda had often prayed for Sara to die, and now wonders if she caused Sara's death.

Chanda's spirits - and those of her mother - are boosted by Mr. Selalame's presence, warm condolences, and praise for Chanda's studies.

The crowd parties into the night, with much socializing and load music. The goats are roasted by midnight, chopped up, and added to the stew. About that that time, Mary appears - drunk - and tries to gain Jonah's attention while staying inconspicuous. Chanda put Jonah's brothers in charge of keeping Jonah at the laying over, but they accompany him to the shebeen with Mary. It takes Jonah's sister to bring them all back.

A couple of hours later, the guest begin retiring for the night. Jonah's sisters guard the door to keep him from sneaking out. Their imaginations apparently didn't prepare them for Jonah receiving five empty cartons of shake-shake through the window. Morning found him passed out in his own vomit.

The priest arrive, and opens the house to the mourners. After the viewing, Mr. Bateman nails the coffin shut, and they ride the Chevy to the cemetery, coffin in tow.