With the Fire on High: 13. Farewells Summary & Analysis

Before Emoni knows it, it’s Saturday morning—“visitation time.” Tyrone’s parents have pushed for a paternity test for Babygirl for her entire life, but Tyrone knows Emoni was a virgin before him and never agreed to the test. But this meant that Tyrone’s parents wouldn’t let him have Babygirl at their house; he’s had to come to Emoni’s to visit his daughter. Since the middle of summer, though, Tyrone’s parents have been allowing Tyrone to take Babygirl every other weekend. It’s been a difficult transition, though Tyrone is always right on time.

When Tyrone crouches down to hug Babygirl, she runs into his arms. Babygirl is freshly braided and wearing nice clothes, as Tyrone’s mom insists. Emoni tries not to be jealous of the adoring way Babygirl looks at Tyrone as she hands over the baby bag. She also tries not to sniff Tyrone’s intoxicating scent. When she mentions she packed snacks and juice boxes, Tyrone reminds her she doesn’t have to. After ’Buela says goodbye to Babygirl, Tyrone opens the door and begins to walk through—and as Babygirl realizes Emoni and ’Buela aren’t coming, she screeches and tries to squirm away. It breaks Emoni’s heart, but she doesn’t move as Tyrone buckles Babygirl into his mom’s Lexus and drives away. Emoni and ‘Buela tell each other Babygirl will be fine and head for the kitchen; Emoni has time to make tembleque before work.