Under the Udala Trees

Family and friends celebrate the birth of Chidinma, Ijeoma and Chibundu’s healthy daughter. However, Chibundu refuses to buy a goat to kill for a feast. Adaora notices the tension between husband and wife. While breastfeeding, Ijeoma reflects on her daughter’s name, a variant of Chibundu’s name that means “God is good” (264). 

Chibundu’s mother and Ijeoma’s mother stay with them to help with the baby for a couple months. Adaora helps with breastfeeding and the pain that this causes in Ijeoma’s body.

Ijeoma carries Chidinma on long walks. When she asks Chibundu if he wants to join them, he grumpily answers he’s too tired from work. He has been going in on the weekends and snaps at her frequently.