The Joys of Motherhood

As Nnu Ego runs to Carter Bridge, an Ibo dockworker named Nwakusor bikes home at the end of his shift; a bus narrowly avoids hitting him. He pauses when he reaches a crowd of people surrounding a woman whom he recognizes as Nnu Ego—she is preparing to jump off the bridge.

Calling her name, Nwakusor catches Nnu Ego off guard and asks her what she is doing. When she explains that she wants to join her child in death, the previously judgmental crowd becomes sympathetic. Nwakusor leads her home.

On the morning that Ngozi dies, Cordelia cooks breakfast for her children and her husband, Ubani. When she goes to check on Nnu Ego, Cordelia spots the baby lying dead. Unsure what to do, Cordelia tells Ubani that Ngozi is dead and Nnu Ego is missing.

Leaving his nephew in charge of the Meers’ kitchen where he works as cook, Ubani approaches Nnaife, who is hanging sheets to dry. Seeing Ubani’s strange manner, Nnaife tries to guess what is wrong. Ubani invites Nnaife into his home and then tells him that Ngozi is dead. Nnaife is shocked by the news and admits his fear that Nnu Ego hates him.