Summary

Arn struggles with Sombo’s gruff demeanor, disappointed that he no longer shows any signs that he cares about Arn. As they wait for the first meal they've had in three days, Arn considers leaving like so many of the others, but Sombo is the only family he has now, and he has no idea where Mek, Siv or Kha are. The sound of a whistle warns of an incoming shell and Sombo throws himself over Arn, saving his life. Phat is blown to pieces, and many other children die that evening. Arn feels like the living dead.

They walk quietly north, away from the Vietnamese making as little noise as possible. The girl who carried the rice steps on a stick and though Sombo tells her to freeze, she steps back and the land mine under her takes her leg. After that, Arn...