The Death of Vivek Oji

An omniscient narrator relays that Chika repaints Ahunna’s house before Vivek’s burial. Though Chika wants to kill a cow in Vivek’s honor, Ekene advises against it, reminding Chika that cow sacrifices are to celebrate those who have passed who have had a full life. Chika settles on sacrificing a goat. Kavita sees the goat being slaughtered outside, and it reminds her of finding Vivek’s body on the doorstep.

The burial program features Vivek’s baby photos, but none from after he grew out his hair. Kavita does not know whether to be relieved or annoyed at this revision to Vivek’s life. Osita finds his mother, Mary, in the backyard and hugs her. As Osita walks away, Mary feels grateful that he is alive.

The omniscient narrator continues: At first, Osita refuses to come into town to present the photographs of Vivek to Kavita. However, Somto calls Osita and angrily urges him to attend, asking him, “Is this not your own aunty that we’re going to see?” (237). Osita reluctantly agrees.

At Kavita’s house, before presenting her with the photographs, Juju maintains that they withheld from Kavita the truth about Vivek in order to protect him.