Maybe I’m fighting the wind, this place called Detroit, my cousins and their walls, the prison that keeps my mother, my broken home country floating in the middle of a sinking sea.
Fabiola discovers the harsh reality behind her family and their money that comes from drug dealing, adding onto her list of fears and worries. Her calm demeanor finally vanishes when confronted by a group of bullies in school. Her anger at her situation, adjusting to the new world, new life and remembering her life in Haiti finally takes hold of her. Ironically, it is also the moment she becomes a part of her family, part of Detroit as a fourth bee.
I am not afraid of dying. Death has always walked close-an earthquake, a hurricane, a disease, a thief and his knife.
After discovering that Kasim was killed by the police, Dray wants to get revenge by killing Fabiola. Fabiola shows no fear at the moment when he points his gun at her because of the life she had in Haiti. Fabiola’s faith is strong, and she is shown asking for guidance from spirits and following it throughout the novel.
We have to become everything that we want. Consume it. Like our lwas.
A large part of the novel shows glimpses into the world of Vodou and explains its beliefs and rites through Fabiola. Fabiola integrates her faith in every aspect of her life. Despite her cousins making fun of her, her beliefs are strong, and she is always looking for guidance and strength from lwas, Papa Legba.
