Chapter 6, "Sloosh'a's Crossin' an' Everythin' After" Summary

"Sloosh'a's Crossin'" is set in the distant future, in a world following a nuclear holocaust. The cities destroyed, humans now live in small tribes, including Zachry's Valleymen tribe on the island of Ha-why (Hawaii). The chapter is a narrative, told by Zachry, a young goat herder. The story begins with Zachry witnessing his father's murder and his brother's abduction by the fierce rival tribe, the Konas. He was just nine years old at the time, but he still is haunted by his inability to save them.

Zachry tells of his first love, his mutated baby born without a nose or mouth, and life with his mother, younger brothers and sisters. He tells of the Valleymen god, Sonmi, who lives among the people as a benevolent god. Her evil counterpart is called...