Chapter 10 Summary

H has a friend whose nickname is "Blackpatch," which refers to the black birthmark on his head. Toshiko tells H to stop calling this boy by his nickname. H explains that everyone calls him by that name, and he does not seem to mind. Toshiko tells H that the boy probably does mind and just puts up with it. H understands what she is saying and agrees to stop using the nickname. Instead, H calls him Donchan, which is the boy's given name.

Donchan has many comic books in his library at home, and H takes every opportunity to read them when he gets the chance. He has to be careful, however, to make sure his mother does not find out that he is reading something else besides the Bible or his schoolbooks. Toshiko approves of Donchan and H's friendship because Donchan is...