17 and 18 Summary

Chapter 17

As summer continues, Abel waits for Gower's rescue crew, but it never comes. Abel makes food, sculpts plants, draws, swims and takes walks, but still no one comes. He is sure Gower forgot about him. During July, it is very hot and there has not been rain in many weeks. The river becomes shallower. Abel thinks about risking swimming across. He climbs the cherry birch tree and ties the scarf around it. He misses Amanda so much.

On one day of the drought, it is fierce and burning. The dry land soaks up any last bits of water. On another morning, it is August. The sky is dark with clouds. A few drops of rain fall, but it is quickly absorbed by the dry earth. He decides it is now or never to swim across the river. He starts to get sad...