Chapter 8 Summary

H loves to go to the sea to swim and to be with his friends. Toshiko tells H that he must come directly home from school before going out to the sea or anywhere else. This is embarrassing to H because his friends do not have to obey such a rule. H decides to avoid embarrassment by going with his friends to the beach and making up an excuse to give to his mother when he returns home. Each time he meticulously shakes the sand from his clothing, hands, hair and feet and thinks that his mother will not find out. Unfortunately, Toshiko finds out each time and punishment follows.

Toshiko always tells H to be careful because the sea can be dangerous. H, Yasuo and some of their friends take the boat owned by Yasuo's father out on the sea. The boys...