Once Auntie Minerva was cooking a stew. She went to the stove to stir it and a brown tree snake peered up at her from the pot with a little potato in its mouth. She quickly covered the stew with the lid, then fainted. Tata said the snake must have crawled through the open window. He teased Auntie Minerva about making brown tree snake stew, but none of us ate it, of course. Ever since then, I don’t like stew or going into the jungle or windows left open.

Today the mosquitoes are the only pests. I wish I’d worn long sleeves like Auntie recommended. I’ll bite my tongue before I’ll let her see me smack the mosquitoes away. We are searching for kahlao, gaogao, and kamachili and other herbs. We’re lucky because Malesso is in the southern part of the island, where the best plants grow. I understand how herbs might cure sickness. That’s not so different than medicine, but the other ingredients I’m not so sure about. How can a chicken feather and the urine of the patient’s oldest son make any difference? What if the patient doesn’t have a son? How could I be a suruhana when I question its ways?

Auntie Bernadette is explaining everything she does. She lifts a fern leaf. “See, this is how the Galak feddá should look before you take it.” She points out another one. Her face scrunches. “Now this one. This one’s not so good.”

How can I be a suruhana when I don’t see the difference?

Latte Stones

Deep in the jungle, Auntie and I pass four latte stones. They are seen around the island, giant pillars made from stone and coral that once held houses made of grass and palms. They are hundreds of years old, and when we pass them we pay respect. “Rest in peace, dear ancestors,” Auntie says. “We don’t wish to disturb you. We’re only passing by.”

I’m glad Auntie says the words so I don’t have to.

Mind Your Own Business

Most of the cans of soup are one month from their expiration date, so I move them up front, mark them down, and hang a sign above them—SOUP FOR A STEAL.

I’m dusting the cans when Roman walks in. “What’s with Frank?”

I stop, then go back to dusting. “What do you mean?”

“I just passed him on the road. When I said, ‘Hey, Frank,’ he didn’t say anything.”

“Maybe he didn’t hear you.”

“I passed right by him. Did I do something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Did you?”

Remember when you almost let Frank drown? Then you became the hero in Tata’s eyes? I want to say this, but instead I ask, “How about some tomato soup?”

Shopping Day

Auntie Bernadette drives me to Tamun to meet Tonya and Delia and shop. She lets me out in front of Liberty House department store, where they’re supposed to be waiting for me. Mary Kelly is there instead. I didn’t know she was invited.