Home in the Solomon Islands
Agnes, his mother, waves her hands to attract the attention of a motor-boat taxi racing full-speed toward Buala. The boat, already full of people, swirls around and heads in the Fihus’ direction to wait beyond the reef. Michael puts one foot in his father’s canoe, then turns. Behind him, Agnes is waiting to say good-bye. Mother and son shake hands shyly avoiding each other’s eyes.
Father and son paddle rapidly toward the motorboat. Her skirt trailing in the sea, Agnes stands with Christopher and Max, watching the boat disappear around the curve of the land. With today’s departures, there are only six young men left in the village.