Summary

The next chapter is titled “Sesame.” Tilo expects the worst when she returns to the store, an act of retribution for her night with Raven. She finds nothing out of place. She knows there will be another punishment after she returns to the island through Shampati's fire. She walks around the store, bringing up memories of her time here as she realizes the details are already fading. She becomes aware that the store is no longer a living being. “Whatever was in it giving heat and breath has long left” (315). Tilo creates the pyre for Shampati's fire, sprinkling sesame over the top. She steps out of the dress Raven bought her. She has already felt her body beginning to change again. She retrieves the single chili she saved when she created the object for Haroun. She hopes the First Mother is singing...