In this chapter, Tommo recalls his childhood. He used to walk home alone, and when he felt full, he would look at his encyclopedia and dream of jellyfish. When he woke up, he'd lie on his bed and dream about the sea. He'd think about how much fun it would be to be in the sea, and he would go to sleep happy. Tommo's mother gives him a white wedding dress, which he's never worn before. He tells his mother to stay away from him, because he doesn't want to be manipulated by him. He also tells her that she's not forcing him to drink with him, and that he'll sleep better if he does. He says that he squeezes his eyes shut when he tries to sleep, and the scene plays behind his eyelids. He asks his mother what he should do when he wants to fall asleep, but he can't. He wonders if he should go to the store and buy some wine to drink, or he should just rummage around and steal some wine from the store. His mother is shocked that he would turn to crime to support his drinking habit.