This chapter utilizes Olanna’s viewpoint for its narrative. The chapter opens with Olanna anguishing over the possibility of Ugwu’s death. Soon after this, she receives a box of amenities from Mohammed, but she is infuriated by the triviality of his letter as he writes about a recent match of polo he played. Next, Mama Oji visits Olanna and tells her to keep her eye on Alice, as she visits with Odenigbo when Olanna is not around the house. When Olanna next sees Alice, she is filled with jealousy. 

Shortly after seeing Alice, Olanna encounters Mrs. Muoleku who insinuates that Olanna should retrieve some gasoline, as their city of Umuahia may soon be overtaken by the Nigerians. Olanna is unable to find any gasoline, and when she tries to warn Odenigbo of the potential impending danger, he brushes her off as he is intoxicated. Olanna returns home one day to find an army vehicle parked outside her home, and it is at this point that Kainene tells her that Ugwu has been killed in battle. Olanna rushes to the bar to tell Odenigbo, and she dumps his drink on the floor in grief.