We All Do What We Must--Chapter Five

I'm getting more involved as the characters come to life. I love Bibi's comments. They add intimacy and depth to the story. I feel as if an old friend is sharing an adventure with me.

I thought the most interesting story from this chapter was that of the little girl with the cleft palate. Six years ago she was abandoned and left with Lulu. It all turns out well in the end as the child is adopted into a loving family and is thriving today. The group thinks that it is a sad story, but Lulu has a different opinion. She sees the experience as a way of showing that in this life "we all do what we must." Will this philosophy surface later in the story as a moral guide to our group? How will each of them do what they must? I think there may be some foreshadowing here.....

Also in Chapter 5, Bibi finally gets a chance to have some influence on the fortunes of our little group. She has discovered that she can communicate with the living through "dreams, memory and imagination." In this way she smooths their entry into Burma without the difficulties that might have occurred. It is good to see her participate in the tour when things were possibly going to get complicated. What a different adventure it might have been if she had been with them in person!

The chapter ends with the appearance of Walter, the new tour guide. He seems completely competent and capable. After all, he was chosen by Bibi! What could possibly go wrong now......?