- Back at the Altoonians', Vahan isn't sure he'll exactly be greeted with open arms—Mrs. Altoonian did kick him out last time.
- Still, he doesn't have much of a choice, so he knocks on the door, and Mrs. Altoonian hugs and kisses him.
- Vahan knows he can't stay there forever, so he tries to be helpful by doing chores and helping around the house. Mrs. Altoonian tells him he doesn't have to, but he really doesn't want to be kicked out again.
- After a week and a half, Mrs. Altoonian announces that she's worked out where Vahan will go. She's gone to see Selim Bey, the ex-governor, who is now living in Vahan's house, and worked out for Selim to take Vahan in. He is a nice man, and Vahan can work there and be safe.
- Vahan is scared—he knows Mrs. Altoonian means well, but he's heard rumors about Selim Bey before, and none of them are good. He's known as "the butcher of the Armenians" and Vahan—understandably and wisely—doesn't trust a guy with that street cred.
- But he's also got no choice since Mrs. Altoonian has already arranged this, and he doesn't want to trouble her or Pattoo any longer. So he agrees to go tomorrow, not knowing what will happen.
- The next morning, Vahan is picked up in a carriage—that used to belong to his family—and taken to his old house.
- It's just like he left it, only everything is different. There are no sounds of his family anymore, and instead only memories of their deaths. Not exactly a joyous return.
- He's taken to the stables, where he's told his job is to take care of the horses; he'll be fed twice a day and will sleep there. The servant adds that he'll thank Selim Bey for Vahan. Right… you do that.