The family hides in Kazi’s house. They can no longer take the carriage and must carry everything on their backs. Mama’s painting will stay with Kazi. The family sits out of sight, in silence, and Nisha wonders if Papa is scared and if he’ll miss their home. She has many questions for Papa, but she cannot ask him.

At daybreak the following morning, the family leaves Mirpur Khas. Nisha regrets not saying one last good-bye to Kazi. She cries silently as she walks away from her home.

The family takes a circuitous route to the desert in order to remain unseen. There are many travelling the same path. Nisha and her family have brought fewer belongings than most, but they each carry a large jug meant to last until they can refill. The family walks 15 miles the first day, and Papa finds a place to camp. They make a fire and have dinner. Amil, questioning Papa about the supplies they brought, is worried they will run out of water. Papa reminds him to sip carefully, but Amil reminds Papa they are in the middle of nowhere.