Summary

Chapters 3-5 begin in 1924 and go through 1934, all on the English Channel island of Jersey. It is here that Christopher and Rebecca meet each other on the beach near their homes, when Christopher hears and then sees Rebecca sitting alone, crying. They are six years old and become fast friends as Christopher teaches her how to skip rocks across the water. When Christopher’s father comes to the beach to have him come into the house for dinner, Rebecca hides until Mr. Seeler is far enough ahead that Christopher can run back and get Rebecca, bringing her back to the house with him. She hides in his bedroom but makes a loud crash, revealing her presence.

Mr. Seeler insists Rebecca be returned to her family, which is when the reader learns that her father is physically abusive to his daughter. Christopher and Rebecca...