Meanwhile, Francis is considering taking a postal job during the Christmas season. Between that and Adah's late pregnancy work, they are hopeful that they can manage rent and childcare expenses until she can resume her job.
Adah arrives at Kentish Town station only to find the railway workers on strike—a piece of information she was completely unaware of until she reached the station. The reason for this ignorance is that the Obis relate well with no one. Francis did not believe in friendship, he only related with one or two Jehovah's Witnesses.
Although he sometimes watches Mr. Noble's television, he does not permit his wife to do the same because he is convinced that Mrs. Noble (Sue) would set a poor example for her. Adah chooses to accept things as they are in order to avoid any conflicts with her husband. Meanwhile, the kicks in her womb continue.
Adah waits for a long time before realising that the strike might actually work in her favour. The movements in her womb become impossible to ignore, but she worries that Francis might accuse her of being lazy if she returns home.
When she returns home, she finds Francis still dressed in his pyjamas. After telling him about the strike, he immediately accuses her of lying. Adah contemplates if she should have made a scene at the station and allowed the hospital to gas her, but she quickly decides to focus on living for Vicky and Titi.
Instead of showing any understanding of her situation, Francis launches into a sermon about “the diligence of virtuous women.” Adah can’t help but notice the irony of him preaching about hard work while lounging in his pyjamas late into the morning. Anger wells up in her as she thinks about how Francis's mother has spoiled her sons.
Adah reflects on how often he says, “Jehovah God said this, Jehovah God said that” (p. 108). She remembers the time Francis donated blood during Titi’s birth. Adah believes he is not a bad person, but rather “a man who could no longer cope with the overdemanding society he found himself in” (p. 110).
In his search for a religious magazine, he ends up scattering all the clothes in their room. Once he finally finds it, he orders Adah to return as she is about to leave.
Due to persistent kicks in her belly, Adah rushes to Dr. Hudson’s surgery. He informs her that she is likely to give birth within the day and that she should have called for an ambulance earlier.
Adah has decided to have her baby at home, as the hospital provides six pounds to purchase supplies for a home birth, which she intends to use for food instead. When she tells her doctor, the doctor expresses frustration and urges her to go to University College Hospital. Not wanting to discuss her financial situation, Adah simply responds that she is going home. Despite her reluctance, Dr. Hudson offers to call the midwives.
Once home, the midwives greet her and quickly notice that Adah is bleeding heavily, something that Adah herself had not realised. The situation takes a serious turn, and an ambulance is called to transport a weak Adah to the hospital.
While at the hospital, Adah slips into a deep sleep and dreams a haunting dream where she feels on the brink of death. Even in this vulnerable state, she feels she cannot rely on her husband. However, her nightmare soon transforms into a good dream, and her baby boy is born via the Caesarian section. They name him Bubu.
Why did Adah inform her employees that her baby is due in February? A. She wanted to secure more maternity benefits B. She wanted to extend her work period to earn more money C. She was unaware of her actual due date D. She was trying to mislead her employers
Why does Adah choose a home birth over going to the hospital? A. She prefers being in a familiar environment B. She does not trust the hospital staff C. She needed the six ponds the hospital gave for supplies D. She feels more comfortable delivering at home
What was Dr Hudson’s reaction to Adah’s plan for a homebirth? A She supports Adah’s decision B. She urges her to go to the hospital C. She calls an ambulance immediately D. She arranges for midwives without question.
Why does Adah feel conflicted about going home from the station? A. She fears Francis will accuse her of laziness B. She is uncertain about the safety of returning home alone C. She does not want to waste her work hours D. She is worried about the midwives arriving too late.
ANSWER: 1. B 2. C 3. B 4. A
Analyse the relationship between Adah and Francis. How does their interaction in this chapter reflect gender dynamics and cultural expectations?
Reflect on Adah’s p Adah’s perception of Francis as “a man who could no longer cope with the overdemanding society.” How does this view shape her attitude towards him?
