Chapters 26, 27 and 28 Summary

These chapters chronicle the adventures of the author as she travels to the place where she is to be released back into the world.

"Happy Unbirthday" The author writes that rather than celebrating birthdays, the Real People celebrate when a person has moved into a state of deeper awareness - of oneness, or of skill or talent. After leaving the cavern, Secret Keeper (whose talent is for non-judgmental listening) has one such celebration, involving a banquet, singing, dancing, and storytelling in her honor. At the party, the author teaches them North American country dances, and Secret Keeper is told repeatedly what a gift it is for her to be part of the tribe.

"Wiped Out" As the journey draws to its close, a sudden torrential rainstorm envelops the tribe, separating them, injuring some, and washing away many of their belongings. The...