Alibhai is intrigued by Mary, and wants to know more about her. When Alibhai first inquires about Mary’s background, she is very reluctant to share anything with him. She says, defensively, “I have told you not to ask me these types of questions! I have only come to tell you about ogres! Give me the money!” (Samatar, 3-4) In an effort to atone for his intrusiveness, Alibhai makes the statement, “I, too, am an African.” (Samatar, 4) Mary responds, with her mouth twisted, “So is Kibugi.” (Kibugi is an ogre.) Through his experiences in Africa with Mary, Alibhai feels as though he has made a crucial connection. In this moment, Mary and Alibhai come to a mutual understanding. Mary realizes that she can trust Alibhai, as he has something in common with her and with the ogres. Mary realizes that he does not want to hurt her and her people because he feels as though he is one of them. On the other hand, Alibhai realizes that instead of searching for a straight-forward response to who Mary is, he should listen deeper into the stories she is telling
Alibhai is intrigued by Mary, and wants to know more about her. When Alibhai first inquires about Mary’s background, she is very reluctant to share anything with him. She says, defensively, “I have told you not to ask me these types of questions! I have only come to tell you about ogres! Give me the money!” (Samatar, 3-4) In an effort to atone for his intrusiveness, Alibhai makes the statement, “I, too, am an African.” (Samatar, 4) Mary responds, with her mouth twisted, “So is Kibugi.” (Kibugi is an ogre.) Through his experiences in Africa with Mary, Alibhai feels as though he has made a crucial connection. In this moment, Mary and Alibhai come to a mutual understanding. Mary realizes that she can trust Alibhai, as he has something in common with her and with the ogres. Mary realizes that he does not want to hurt her and her people because he feels as though he is one of them. On the other hand, Alibhai realizes that instead of searching for a straight-forward response to who Mary is, he should listen deeper into the stories she is telling