This chapter begins with some allusions to the effects of
colonialism on Belize. Beka's father encourages her to buy shoes from a local Creole
businessman, for example, to support him as a local businessman. Beka also notes that
there is only one Creole grocer left nearby. The locals are unable to compete with the
big chain stores from the United States and other western nations, and the "little guys"
are being driven out. This is an important theme of the
novel.
Another important part of this chapter is that
Toycie's pregnancy is first hinted at. Toycie comes to pick Beka up for the first day of
school, and she is obviously sick. She tells Beka her stomach hurts. Uh oh! And then,
she vomits! A bad sign.
Vomiting was never regarded lightly among the
women of Belize. It was something to be observed with theutmost
suspicion.
As the chapter
ends, Beka sees Toycie following Sister Virgil up the stairs to her office. Another bad
sign.
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