Chapter 16, "Shore Leave" Summary

Willie and May vacation in the Yosemite Valley but remain in separate rooms after making love to each other. That night, May crouches in a chair, shivering and crying. At breakfast the next morning, Willie talks about life on the Caine. Willie adds that his mother likes May. She wants to know why he introduced her to his mother as Marie Minotti instead of as "May". Willie realizes he is ashamed of her. That evening he wants to sleep with May, but she shoves him out her door. At breakfast the next morning, Willie asks May to marry him. May will think about it. They ride sad old horses through the snow. That night, Willie kisses May good night at her door. They ride the bus back to San Francisco, the Caine, and Willie's waiting mother. Willie...