In Chapter 8, we learn more about Tewolde, Mawi’s eldest brother and a central figure in this story. As the children grow to teens, Tewolde goes through libee migbar, which is a habesha phrase that means “developing a heart,” and proves Tewolde has gained emotional maturity. For example, Tewolde as a mere high school student, shows a precocious industriousness when he begins his own cleaning-service company to help the family earn money. Tewolde also shows an unusually high degree of compassion, befriending and caring for a local homeless man, among other good deeds. Tragedy strikes, however, when Tewolde, still a senior in high school, is struck and killed by a drunk driver. Losing his brother has a profound effect on Mawi, who is midway through high school at this point. Though stricken with grief, Haileab has always emphasized to Mawi the importance of education, so Mawi pushes through his sadness with hard academic work, devoting himself totally to his studies and extracurriculars. The perseverance pays off, and Mawi earns a full scholarship to one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world: Harvard University.
Step-by-step explanation: