Flamer

Elias gives Aiden some pointers on how to improve his accuracy with a bow. He helps him adjust his form, and Aiden finally hits the target. At orienteering, the bully continues to say racist and anti-gay things to Aiden. It distracts him and he’s unable to pay attention to the instructions. He forgets to orient his map and gets lost when trying to follow the directions given to him. Ted finds him crying in the middle of a clearing and helps him orient his compass. Aiden is still frustrated, so Ted gives him some words of support and encouragement.

Aiden wishes he was like Ted, who he recognizes is different than most people, but “in a good way” (204). He attempts to emulate Ted’s hairstyle, which annoys Mark because it’s a ponytail. Mark calls Aiden an anti-gay slur and tries to pull the ponytail out. Aiden punches him in the mouth, knocking out one of his teeth. Aiden then yells a series of anti-gay slurs at Mark. As Mark readies himself to strike back, a bear emerges from the woods, breaking up the fight. It ignores the boys and steals some food from their pantry.

Aiden and Mark are both chastised for fighting and warned that if there are any more incidents, they’ll be sent home early.