On an unnamed tropical island, Mitchell's days don't consist of coconuts, snorkeling, and napping like a fat cat in the sun. Instead, between unpleasant trips to the outhouse and writing philosophical letters, he lays on the floor of his hut fasting. Ever since he left Bangkok for the island, Mitchell has experienced a ferocious stomach bug, most likely dysentery, and although his traveling partner Larry has tried to convince him otherwise, he refuses to do anything but fast. After over a week of the fast, Larry forces Mitchell to eat an egg, but afterwards Mitchell feels so sick that he recommits to his fast. A German lady in the hut next door also has dysentery, and Mitchell encourages her to fast as well. While Mitchell is awake, he writes letters back to his parents who believe that all of his traveling is crazy. When Mitchell was in India he called his parents, the only time in his six-months of travel that they had spoken, and they were very worried. Mitchell's letters consist of descriptions of dead people and rituals he witnesses along with truths about the universe. After a few more days, the German woman leaves to see a doctor on the mainland and Larry brings an Australian woman back to the hut to give Mitchell some medicine. Mitchell refuses at first, but then takes the pill and pretends to swallow it. After she leaves Mitchell spits it out. The next day, Mitchell feels much better and walks to the cook tent. He is greeted with cheers and lots of food. He eats and celebrates with the islanders. That night, he and Larry go swimming, and although Mitchell's stomach feels queasy, he is certain he has successfully starved the amoeba.