could feel myself shrinking. It seemed that I was only a very small spot on the floor when eventually I found enough voice to answer.
This part made me feel uncomfortable and sad for Tambu. “I could feel myself shrinking” describes how fear of someone you also owe respect to can make you feel so small that your voice almost disappears. She knows the truth but lies about the homework because telling it feels impossible. It also made me angry at how much power Babamukuru has over her.