บท 6: Chapter 6

“It’s a beach party,” Harris explained. “It begins with a small ceremony where everyone pays their respects to their mothers. Then a few bouquets are thrown into the surf as a symbolic gesture of gratitude.”

I was enthralled. “What happens next?”

“The fun starts,” said Spencer. “There’s music and dancing and wine. It can get pretty wild.” I saw him give Harris a strange sideways glance. “But that’s where we’ll leave it.”

“Have you ever been?” I asked.

Harris laughed. “Oh yes, we’ve been.”

“I want to go,” I said excitedly.

Their smiles disappeared. “Oh no. You can’t go. Not yet.”

“Why?” I asked, suddenly perturbed. “Why can’t I go?”

“It’s for young adult men,” explained Harris. “You’ve got a few years left until you can go.”