CHAPTER 6. THEN- MANIFEST DESTINY

Chapter 6: Manifest Destiny

In this chapter, we follow Notch as a 15-year-old murderer on the run, navigating the harsh realities of survival. After committing his first murder to protect his foster sister Gabriella, Notch is filled with paranoia and guilt, leading him to constantly move around. His journey takes him south, where he hopes to find work on fishing boats in the Gulf. The chapter vividly describes his travels along Highway 271, the eerie presence of crows, and his encounters with various people along the way. Notch's path is marked by a series of odd jobs, from working on a shrimper in Louisiana to picking peaches in Arizona. Each experience shapes his understanding of the world and his place in it. The chapter also introduces a significant figure in the Notch’s life, a military man known as Sarge, who becomes a father figure and mentor. Their meeting on Christmas Day 1965 marks a turning point, as Sarge invites Notch to join his family for dinner, setting the stage for his future involvement in military and covert operations. This chapter explores themes of survival, identity, and the search for belonging, highlighting Notch''s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.