Soukeyna, seeing her father and his guests walking away, finds them amusing; she smiles and turns over to take another position while groaning softly.
Back in Watch Dal, Dof Dal comes across May Dal:
"Father," says May Dal, "how are you?
– I'm well, my lovely, says Dof Dal. Is Kheuch Dal in his room?
– He went out about an hour ago, replies May Dal.
– Can you go get him? says Dof Dal. I need to talk to him.
– I'll go, says May Dal, but first I want to ask you something.
– Yes, go ahead, says Dof Dal.
– Lately, you don't seem to be in good shape…
– It's nothing, says Dof Dal. Don't worry, now go."
Dof Dal enters his room and sits in his chair, head lowered, sinking into his memories, thinking:
"At May's age, I dreamed of being the best at everything… but what will happen to her when I'm no longer here?"
No sooner has he finished thinking than May Dal knocks on the door:
"Knock, knock… Father, here is Uncle Kheuch!
– Thank you, says Dof Dal. You can leave us now."
May pretends to leave but stays seated near the door.
"Kheuch, how are you?" asks Dof Dal.
– I'm fine, replies Kheuch, surprised by his tone. What's going on with you?
– Nothing… but I need you to listen to me.
– Then speak, says Kheuch Dal.
– May… I consider her my daughter.
– That's what guarantees her safety here, otherwise… what could happen to her would be unimaginable, says Kheuch Dal.
– I don't have much time left, says Dof Dal. You are the most reasonable among those I know here.
– You're scaring me…
– Kheuch," says Dof Dal, holding him by the shoulders and looking straight into his eyes,
"The responsibility of the people of Watch Dal will soon be in your hands. Don't let them down. Those who want to change… don't let that madman Neub Dal ruin their future. And May… I beg you, take care of her. She is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me."
After these words, Dof Dal becomes motionless.
Kheuch Dal, refusing to understand what just happened, tries to speak again:
"Your words are hurting me… you're the only normal comrade I know… answer me."
Seeing that he no longer responds, he shakes him and realizes…
He is dead.
His face turns heavy with sorrow, and his heart becomes so burdened that he remains silent for several minutes.
May, who heard everything, suddenly enters the room, falls before Dof Dal's lifeless body and screams so loudly that people nearby quickly learn the tragic news.
Some cry. Others remain silent, so furious they could destroy anything that comes near them.
Without delay, Kheuch Dal personally goes to Deuk Wolof to inform them.
Abdoulaye's first reaction is:
"He warned us…"
They soon go as well.
Madiow Thiam performs the funeral washing, and by nightfall, they bury him, praying for the rest of his soul.
The next day, a day of mourning is organized. Many villagers from Deuk Wolof come to support them in this moment of loss.
In the evening, the guests return home, accompanied by words of gratitude.
A few days later, Soukeyna gives birth to a boy.
And with the agreement of Madiow Thiam, Tierno Diagne gives him the name:
Ibrahima Dof Dal.
And the news quickly reaches Watch Dal.