Summary

In Chapter 7, Pong wakes a few miles from Chattana, but it feels like a wilderness. He feels panicky at being away from Somkit. Pong has a blue tattoo on his wrist, identifying him as a prisoner. When prisoners are released, a star is added to the tattoo, symbolizing they finished their prison sentence. Pong knows anyone who sees his tattoo will know he escaped. He might be returned to Namwon or sent to the adult prison for men, Banglad, which is rumored to be a terrible place. Pong feels continuing south, far from Chattana is his only hope. From a book, he knows the ocean is there and he sets that as his destination. He begins to walk along a road near the river but the road forks and Pong chooses a direction that leads him up a mountain.

In Chapter 8, Pong wakes...