How Beautiful We Were

Everyone in Kosawa has sworn on a ceremonial umbilical cord bundle that they will keep the secret of the hostages hidden until the story no longer holds meaning. Once they find out that Kumbum is dying, the children feel badly for calling him the Sick One; they hadn’t known he was actually sick and mocking his frail body was one chance for them to feel superior to him. They plan on coming up with a new nickname, but he dies before they do. As Kumbum was dying, Sakani refused to heal him, but Woja Beki stayed up all night watching over him. The adults tell them that Woja Beki is only acting like this because he knows he will lose his position as village head with one misstep. Nevertheless, the fathers all go help Woja Beki wait for the Spirit to exit Kumbum’s body.

The children mishear Austin’s name as “Us-things.” At Kumbum’s funeral, Austin is the only one crying about his uncle’s death. The mothers look anxious. The children do not understand why Austin is not reporting on them to the Pexton laborers, but their fathers say that Austin is on their side.