The Clay Marble

Reunited with her family and Nea, Dara insists that she owes it all to the “magic marble.” Nea speculates that its magic worked for her primarily because she was “brave and patient.” For the first time, she calls Dara “sister.” Sarun then informs her that he and Nea plan to marry. Dara is delighted, recalling that Jantu had predicted this union long ago, and had even mapped it out in their toy village at Nong Chan.

Excitedly, she asks Sarun when they can bring Jantu and the baby back from the hospital at the Khao I Dang camp. Sarun says that they will need a special pass to make the journey, and that this may “take time.” Nea protests that they must do it soon, so they can all go back to Siem Reap in time to plant their rice before the monsoons. Sarun scoffs at this, saying he has “more important” things to worry about than rice planting—such as the big flag-raising ceremony, which is only 12 days away.

It is clear to Dara and Nea that Sarun’s personality has changed since he began drilling with the army: He has become pompous and selfish, now talking only of war, weapons, and military parades.