Summary

In "The Monks," Rithy spends several days at the local temple, or wat. He is waiting to be "shipped off to basic combat training," and attempting to heal from his father's death (118). Staying at the wat is meant to ensure that his father's spirit "passes gently into its next life" (118). However, ever since arriving, Rithy has struggled to understand how his presence is helping his father. When he arrived, the Cha gave him a notepad in which he is supposed to record his feelings. Instead, he records the things he is counting, including his exercises, steps, and repeating thoughts.

Rithy likes some of the monks. Rithy refers to them as Monks B, C, and D. They smoke cigarettes outside and talk.

Feeling impatient, Rithy keeps asking the Cha about his purpose at the wat. He does not understand...