Chapter 8 Summary

Later that morning, when Mei-li didn't show up for work, the girls realized she was missing. Everyone was concerned. This was especially true for Pei, who had observed her recent secretive behavior. They completed work despite their distracted state and rushed home to tell Auntie Yee, who began a frantic search. Pei had kept her friend's secret all day long, but felt she could wait no longer. She went directly to Su-lung's to confront Hong. Hong denied knowing Mei-li and abruptly closed the door on Pei. Pei felt he was somehow responsible for Mei-li's disappearance, even if he didn't know specific details. For the first time she felt hatred for another person.

The following morning the news of Mei-li's drowning reached the house. Mei-li's body was found by local fishermen and brought to Auntie Yee's. Pei felt awful. She grieved for the loss...