Summary

The short story “On Monday of Last Week” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of Kamara, an immigrant from Nigeria. She works as a babysitter for an American family: Tracy, an African American painter, and Ned, a Jewish lawyer, who have a seven-year-old son, Josh.

The story begins with Kamara looking at herself in the bathroom mirror. She imagines her belly is flat, and Tracy is touching it. She comes out of the bathroom and asks Josh if he finished his juiced spinach. Josh does not like this drink, but Ned insists he should have it daily. Kamara prepares the juiced spinach for Josh, then goes into the bathroom to give him a chance to pour away the drink. 

Kamara makes dinner for Josh, who is tired from preparing for a Read-A-Thon competition which will take place the following day. She remembers her job interview with Ned, which happened three months ago. During the interview, Ned mentions that his wife, Tracy, works on her paintings in the basement and must not be bothered. 

As she prepares Josh’s dinner, Kamara remembers her first meeting with Tracy and the big impression Tracy left on her. Tracy motivates her to wear makeup and get thinner. While serving Josh the meal, Kama...