Summary

In Chapter 36, on the fourth day of visitors, Belinda cannot bring herself to get out of bed. She tells Uncle that she is sick and needs to rest. She opens a book that Amma gave to her before she left, a collection of poetry by Katherine Mansfield. Inside the book, there is a handwritten poem about a man carrying a box endlessly and shifting his weight to manage it. Belinda realizes that this is a poem that Amma must have held close as she maintained her secret without telling any of her family. Belinda understands that she must be courageous.

Chapter 37 begins with Aunty’s announcement that they must do some shopping before the funeral. In the car, Aunty tells Belinda that because of how she cared for Mary, she and Uncle want to include her in their wills. Belinda protests, saying that...