Many townsfolk and visitors stop by to see the merchant and hear about the journey. Khalil is excited to see Yusuf again and pulls him back into shop duties, showing him off to customers. At night, he asks Yusuf about the journey and Yusuf admits he often felt vulnerable, but his fear gave shape to everything. He tells him about the green light of the mountain, but he holds back about his time with Chatu because he doesn’t want to talk about Bati. Ma Ajuza resumes her pining and flirting with Yusuf when sees him, but he can tell the spark in her has dimmed.

With so many people about, the door to the walled garden is kept closed; only Khalil, Uncle Aziz, and the gardener Mzee Hamdani enter. Hamdani is oblivious to those around him, including Yusuf when he places himself in front of him. Uncle Aziz starts paying off the journey crew, but not the full amount, so he also gives them chits for what he owes. He does not pay the families of the two men that fled Chatu because if they come back, there will be hassles.