Nervous Conditions

Tambu experiences physical and mental symptoms of anxiety when she considers her parents’ upcoming wedding. She strives to suppress her anger toward Babamukuru, although she does not know why she is so against the wedding, having learned about Christian sin. Tambu’s extended family and the Sigaukes leave the homestead, and she is to spend the remainder of the holiday break with her parents. She is upset that she will be away from Nyasha. Lucia remains at the homestead, waiting for Ma’Shingayi—who feels her opinion does not matter—to decide whether to stay or leave. She returns to Takesure, referring to him as a “cockroach” that will be easy to scare away when the time comes. Tambu is worried that Lucia will go back to sleeping with Jeremiah, which will increase the level of sin in the family.

Tambu returns to Babamukuru’s. Nyasha continues arguing with Babamukuru, which she feels is a positive form of communication. Tambu grows more reserved under the tension, and Babamukuru tells Nyasha that she should be more like Tambu, whose behavior he interprets as appropriately feminine. Ma’Shingayi gives birth in the hospital, and family members pass through the Sigaukes’ home and are cared for by