Bamboo People

Tu Reh gives Ree Meh a tour, explaining the many restrictions of camp life: no farming, no leaving; disobeying could mean deportation. They mention Nya Meh’s capture; Sa Reh confronts them about it, incensed at her treatment by the Burmese military. Tu Reh again defends saving Chiko, damaging his friendship with Sa Reh.

At school, Ree Meh settles in; their teacher has a prosthetic leg because of a landmine but has made a full recovery and is good at his job. Tu Reh becomes isolated because of his fight with Sa Reh.

After school, Tu Reh helps build a house for Ree Meh’s family. Until the house is finished, the girls will stay at Tu Reh’s house, and Tu Reh will sleep in the medic’s hut to help Chiko. That night, Tu Reh grouses about school; Chiko confides in Tu Reh about his love of teaching and books. Tu Reh updates him on the council decision to have a camp-wide vote, trying to remain optimistic.