Who Fears Death

Following her father’s funeral and Aro’s visit, things are tense for Onye. She struggles to sleep at night, convinced someone is watching her, and everyone—including her friends—keeps their distance from her, “like someone with a highly contagious disease” (116). When she finally returns to school and confronts her friends, they are filled with questions and remorse, and it is clear to Onye that they have been forbidden from seeing her by their parents. However, they make up and move on.

Four weeks after Aro’s visit, Onye returns to begin her training. Mwita greets her at the gate; he, too, had kept his distance, but Onye had known that this was because he was waiting for her at Aro’s hut. Aro chastises them for hugging, then reiterates that their connection is why Onye cannot live at the hut, as apprentices normally would.

When Aro and Onye sit together, Aro shocks her by apologizing for his arrogance and insecurity. Onye initially chides him for not teaching Mwita, but Aro reveals that he couldn’t because Mwita didn’t pass initiation; Onye distrusts him but accepts it for the time being.

Aro explains to her that she, too, must pass initiation first, and that her test will be the next day.