Summary

In Chapter 9, trying to get inspiration for her drawing, Thandi goes to the river wearing shorts and a tank top under her dress. Part of the bank where she used to play has been taken over by a resort and has a no trespassing sign posted. Five years ago the village next to River Bank was cleared for resorts. The people were forced out of their homes.

Thandi sees Charles sitting in his father’s fishing boat. She sketches him. He sees her watching him and asks what she is doing, embarrassing her. They talk and Thandi admits to him that she wishes she could win an art competition at school. When Thandi leans toward Charles he pulls away and Thandi feels as if she has failed. She runs toward the water, saying that she is going for a swim. Her...