Ender's leave on Earth

Ender is given a leave on Earth, staying at a house on a lake in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is supposed to rest, but he is restless and unhappy. He builds a raft and spends time on the water, trying to come to terms with his experiences. Valentine visits him, and they have a long conversation about his fears and his future. Valentine encourages him to continue his training, arguing that he has a duty to save humanity. Ender is reluctant, but he eventually agrees to go to Command School. The leave is a brief respite from the pressures of his life, but it also highlights his isolation and his inability to find peace.