Winkler stays on the islands for 25 years. He spends his savings repaying Nanton for the dinghy and replacing his glasses. He buys a shortwave radio and builds a hot plate. He has insomnia, and his eyesight grows increasingly poor. Soma comes to him six months after his near drowning and expresses regret in delivering the box to him. She tells him that he’s always welcome at her home. Felix asks him once if he’d like to meet women and go on dates. Winkler refuses. Felix tells him that people think he’s a hermit.

Winkler has a few pleasures that include leftovers from Felix’s kitchen, the nature of the island, the clouds, and occasional rain. Naaliyah comes to visit him on Sundays, and they walk the island, looking at everything from marine life to insects. As she grows older and becomes interested in boys, however, she comes to visit him less often. Naaliyah grows unhappy with her parents’ decision to flee Chile. She spends most of her time on St. Vincent.

Winkler becomes fascinated with a young Spanish girl who broadcasts cryptic codes over the shortwave. He tries to fathom what the codes are telling their intended

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