Under the Udala Trees

In the present, walking through the colorful market in Aba, Ijeoma picks up plantains. The vendor girl, Nnenna, teases Ijeoma about the men that hit on her. Ijeoma tries to get her to hurry because Adaora is impatiently waiting.

Adaora’s shop is successful and has expanded its inventory. As Adaora and Ijeoma eat their bole, a woman a few years older than Ijeoma comes into the store. Ijeoma gazes at her admiringly, but they don’t have the item she’s looking for. The woman, whose name is later revealed to be Ndidi, looks “longthroat” (178) at the roasted plantains, and sneaks a glance at Ijeoma’s décolleté. She says she’ll come back in a few days after they restock. 

During another day, the grammar school teacher and his wife visit on their way to the teacher’s wife’s family. While drinking Coke and Guinness, they discuss Amina’s formal engagement and wedding ceremonies. Ijeoma feels betrayed, but can’t leave in case a customer comes while Adaora is distracted. She learns that Amina has already moved north to a Hausa region.

After the grammar school teacher and his wife leave, Adaora lectures Ijeoma on getting married.