"apparently his grandson’s excursion to the hospital cost him about Q10,000"

I guess what I don't get, is that if that's the cost to transport, house and feed the 30 relatives that all had to go, why does the cost fall to Nas Palas? Shouldn't those realitives that made the Decisions to go pony up for their share of the cost?

Were One of you to fall Ill (Perish the thought) would Emilys entire extended family Family Fly to Gutamala (thereby doubling the size of the village but that is another discussion) and assume that her Father would pick up the tab? No. Those that could afford it and felt they could be helpful would make the trip and the arrangements would be worked out BEFORE the costs were incurred.

Brian