The chapter begins with the idyllic image of Doha swimming with his friends in a large pond at the base of a mountain chain. Their activities are interrupted by machine gun fire in the distance.

The boys discuss the Reds (Communists) and how people are being taken. Communist guerrillas raid villages for food and men during most nights. Then, they discuss ROKA’s plans to burn the mountain and flush out the enemy.

Doha is shocked by this violence, while his friend Gunwoo supports any attack on Communists because his family is suffering under the Russians and KPA rule in other parts of Korea.

Doha fears for their friend, Sunjin, who lives in the mountains nearby. Gunwoo is unsympathetic. Sunjin arrives, his eyes swollen from crying, and explains that his father was killed. They will starve without help. Doha and their friends reassure Sunjin, and Doha offers to speak to his father about providing washing and sewing jobs for the clinic where he works. Gunwoo angrily watches.

Doha goes home, describing where he lives and his father’s place in the village as a respected doctor who owns the local clinic. He provides medical services and advice to the villagers. Doha is shocked to find the town officials, the Police Chief, many farmers, and several merchants in the courtyard of their home when he arrives.