The Cay

Phillip clears part of the island and digs a grave for Timothy with his hands. He feels angry with Timothy for leaving him and Stew Cat alone, but he also feels gratitude toward him for saving his life. Phillip buries Timothy and thanks him before starting to locate the remaining supplies. He eats a coconut and does his best to clear and organize the camp. Phillip remembers Timothy saying that he made several fishing poles and stashed them in a safe place. He finds them tied to one of the palm trees, still intact after the storm.

The next day, Phillip gets to work. There is plenty to do: rebuild his hut, make a new sleeping mat, set up a rainwater collection system, get a new fire going, catch fish, and more. Working hard, he manages to get all his old systems working again over the course of a few days. One day, he accidentally stumbles into an area where some birds are nesting. They attack him, and Stew Cat catches and eats one. Phillip empathizes with the birds: “They were fighting for survival, after the storm, just as I was” (110).