The Storyteller's Secret

Amisha and Stephen reunite before the Christmas holiday. Amisha is aware that “though their time apart was brief, they had missed each other more than friends do” (174). Stephen briefly grasps her hand. Amisha knows that the proper thing to do would be to walk away from Stephen; however, she finds herself unable to leave him. They exchange gifts. Amisha opens her gift: a beech tree seedling. Stephen “wanted to give you something of your home, for you to have here” (176). Stephen’s gift from Amisha is a story written in English about the hopeful relationship between a dead man and his brother. She decides to plant the seedling in the school garden.

Neema has been absent from Amisha’s class for over a week, Neema’s father arrives in Stephen’s office and explains that his daughter was hurt in an accident and will be unable to continue attending the school. Panicked, Amisha asks to visit Neema, but the father says no and leaves. Stephen reminds Amisha that “The Raj can’t force Indians to send their children to our schools. If the parents feel we’re using their children’s attendance to police their family’s home life, then they will pull their children out” (180).