A Tiny Earthquake
- Ama is late to rise the next morning, and Lakshmi takes control of the morning chores.
- When Lakshmi finds Ama crying behind Tali's shed, she asks why—and Ama says that her husband, Lakshmi's stepfather, has decided that Lakshmi must go to the city and earn money as a maid.
- Despite her shock, Lakshmi knows she needs to be strong for Ama and assures her mother she will send the money home—enough for a tin roof.
- Pardon Shmoop for a moment, please. We need to find a tissue because there seems to be a little something in our eye… either that or someone's chopping onions nearby.