A Search in Passing, pgs. 118-139 Summary and Analysis

Uncle Tian and Aunt Wu, colleagues of Dad, come to visit. Instead of the usual jovial time when they visited, their discussions are hushed and quite. The children are sent downstairs to their aunts so the adults could talk. When the children are allowed to return, Dad tells them that he next day they are going on a picnic with their grandmother.

The next day they find a shady place in the park for Grandma to sit while the children play. At lunch time, they eat the food they brought with. The younger children nap after lunch. Ji-li notices that Grandma is pale. She says it is just worry about the search and Dad thought a day in the park would be relaxing for her. They have worked out a signal...