Libertie

After a long break in communications, Cathy writes to Libertie. She confesses her anger at her daughter but tries to understand Libertie’s point of view. Though she asks for a response, Libertie does not write back because she finds out that she is pregnant. She has tried to empathize with Ella’s problems and Emmanuel’s ambitions and to adjust to life in Haiti, but every night she dreams of being with her mother.

Libertie tries to learn the French Creole language and invest herself in the local culture, including the festival of Fet Gede (All Souls’ Day), a “celebration for the spirits of those who passed” (205). While Emmanuel spends the day with the local Vodoun practitioners, Libertie spends the day in public prayer with the rest of the family. She stands at the back of the church with Ti Me, hearing the exuberant locals outside while Bishop Chase drones on. Eventually, Libertie turns to Ti Me, and they exit the church together.

Their departure turns heads, but Libertie and Ti Me ignore this and rush toward the cemetery where the festival is held. They are swept up in the crowd of joyous, elaborately dressed people. Libertie cannot understand all the comments directed at her, but she listens as Ti Me explains the intricate details of the celebration.