Summary

Njoroge passes his exams and is accepted to secondary school. He is the only boy in the area to do so. Mwihaki also passes, but her grades are not good enough for secondary school, so she is going to a teacher’s college instead. Many people from the area contribute money to help Njoroge complete his studies.

Before he leaves for school, Njoroge meets Mwihaki to say goodbye. They speak at cross purposes throughout the meeting, with her reminding him that people forget those they leave behind, and him thinking that she is jealous because she is not looking him in the eye. They speak about Njoroge’s vision for the future, and he thinks about it even when they are not discussing it. He uses the opportunity to give counsel to Mwihaki, as he intends to give it to...