Book One, Chapter Two Summary

The next day Reuven decides to go sailing at the beach. He asks Michael if Michael would like to come with him, and Michael agrees. Reuven decides to teach Michael how to sail. When they reach the beach, Reuven takes a small little boat, a Sailfish, out into the water with Michael on it. They sail for awhile, and Reuven helps Michael learn the ropes and how to turn. For awhile they drift and watch the sun and the sea in a tranquil mood.

Then Michael and Reuven begin to have a conversation. First they talk about Michael's nosebleeds, which he apparently gets frequently. However, the nosebleeds aren't due to exertion. Michael got them the previous night at the carnival but not from exerting himself sailing. But Michael doesn't want to talk about it, save to say...