Arbeely attends Catholic Mass more often as Christmas draws closer. Ahmad accompanies him but finds the process ridiculous. One day, Arbeely and Ahmad argue. Arbeely goes to Mass, and when he returns, he finds a small silver owl that Ahmad has left him as an apology. Ahmad knows that his argument crossed a boundary, so he leaves the shop before the tinsmith can return from Mass. He starts to wander but quickly finds himself going to the Golem’s boarding house.

After Avram’s death, Chava tries to throw herself into her work and begins taking on sewing repairs from her neighbors. Upon poking herself with a needle, she watches the tiny wound slowly close itself and is fascinated, wondering how far she can push her body. She looks out the window and sees the Jinni smoking below. Eventually, he places an object by a lamppost and leaves. As the day dawns, Chava runs down to the lamppost and finds a small metal bird. The next night, Ahmad returns, and Chava decides to speak to him. Ahmad learns that she has barely ventured through New York and becomes determined to show her around the city. He takes her to the Aquarium, where Chava is amazed by the large tanks.