Diamond Boy

Back in the present, Boubacar wakes Patson up and goes to find food. Patson tends to Stumpy and then checks his phone. Grace is scared, and she’s at the Showgrounds and can’t go to the police. Patson knows he must find her. Boubacar returns at midday. He has no idea if Determine is actually taking children to a scouting jamboree, or if he’s planning to sell them as domestic workers—or worse. For now, they need to wait until evening to find the River Woman. Patson and Boubacar discuss Patson’s girazis. Patson wonders if Arves hid them somewhere, and he doesn’t understand why Commander Jesus wants them so badly. Boubacar notes that with just one of the girazis, Commander Jesus can retire in luxury.

After dark, Boubacar carries Patson an hour to the clearing where the River Woman and several refugees are waiting. They decide that Boubacar will pose as Patson’s father. The River Woman, whom Boubacar calls Mai Maria, embraces Boubacar and loudly insists that the soldiers won’t try to arrest Patson here. Mai Maria explains that they’ll cross the river in the morning and points Patson to Deo, who’s crossing the river tomorrow, too. Deo introduces his brother, Innocent, who asks Patson—not his leg—what happened to Patson’s leg. His openness is surprising and refreshing. Innocent invites Patson to listen to his radio, and Deo explains that Innocent is “a bit special.” Patson doesn’t mind; he joins Innocent to listen.