The Boy's Illness and Recovery

The boy falls gravely ill after the beach camp, and the man nurses him back to health.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Fever

The Sudden Sickness The First Signs After swimming in the sea, the boy becomes ill. He vomits and has a high fever. The man is terrified. He carries him to the camp and covers him with blankets. The Vigil The man stays awake all night, holding the boy. He tries to give him water and juice, but the boy refuses. He wipes his face and feels his forehead. He prays to God, but there is no answer. The Antibiotics From the first-aid kit, the man finds antibiotics. He forces the boy to take a capsule. He also gives him aspirin dissolved in water. The boy sleeps fitfully.

Recovery

The Turn The Morning Light On the third morning, the boy wakes and asks for water. He is weak but lucid. The man cries with relief. He builds a fire and makes soup. The boy slowly recovers. The Return to Strength Over the next two days, the boy regains his strength. They walk on the beach, find more supplies, and prepare to leave. The boy is embarrassed by his father's constant watching. The Loss of Innocence The boy's illness has changed him. He is quieter, more thoughtful. The man knows the boy's childhood is over, but he is grateful he survived.

after the boat, on the beach

three days later