Family Dynamic
The narrator creates an evocative portrait of the touching final exchanges that Sade and Femi had with their parents before leaving Nigeria. Sade's father advises his children to conceal their identities until they are securely in London while Sade's mother tenderly packs clothes for her kids. The readers receive a detailed view of the close-knit family dynamic that exists between Sade, Femi, and their parents in this final moment. Through the details provided about the setting—the compound drowsy in harmattan season dust, Papa distractedly typing away at his study desk, and Mama bringing drinks for “beans from the same pod”—we can sense how much each character will miss one another when apart. This scene demonstrates what the children are leaving behind but also what she has to look forward to upon reuniting with her family once more.
Migrant Smuggling
The description of Mrs. Bankole's interactions with immigration officers reveals how smugglers operate. They use silent signals and body language to communicate with each other without arousing suspicion from authorities. This illustrates how those looking to smuggle individuals or commodities frequently devise cunning ways to get through security measures like metal detectors or X-ray machines. Even though smuggling may occasionally be successful, it can be dangerous for individuals involved because they might be apprehended by law enforcement if they make any errors. Brass Buttons' close inspection of their passports highlights that any misstep could prevent them from continuing their journey out of Nigeria. This only increases when Sade notices the man wearing an agbada with jet-black eyes watching them closely.
Avon School
The "ginger bricks, concrete and large plate-glass windows" are associated with modernity while the high wire fence, tall spiked gates, and skeleton trees evoke feelings of confinement and security. The only patches of color are provided by the "empty crisp packets on the drive and grass" suggesting neglect and abandonment. Meanwhile, Miss Harcourt's physical appearance with chocolate brown trousers, a pretty white blouse, and long chestnut brown hair all serve to humanize her character amid this otherwise sterile environment. This contrast between humanity and sterility is further highlighted when Miss Harcourt asks Sade about her past. As soon as she crosses an invisible line by asking whom they had come to England with, Sade clams up—an indication that even amid a seemingly safe environment there can be a risk.
Displacement
The description of Femi slowly pacing around the playground while all the other children are playing evokes isolation and loneliness. This image reinforces what Sade has already observed, in that, Femi's eyes reveal "deep wells of misery." The contrast between Femi's solitary figure on the one hand and the lively students on the bus or playing football on the other serves to heighten this sense of sadness. Additionally, it emphasizes how different their lives have become since they fled Nigeria. Before then, Femi was an enthusiastic footballer who dreamed of playing professionally one day. By using these striking images, the narrator effectively highlights how displacement can profoundly alter a person's life leaving them feeling isolated and alone.
