The Claytons embark on a vacation to a newly independent island, seeking respite from their lives in Montreal. Unbeknownst to them, they arrive amid a chaotic revolution, yet remain unfazed by the unrest. While ostensibly looking for a serene getaway, both Graeme and Ratna Clayton have hidden agendas driving their journey.

Hidden Motives

Graeme Clayton's stated reason for the trip is to witness the Southern Cross, a constellation not visible in their Canadian home. However, he harbors a deeper agenda: convincing his wife, Ratna, to move to Toronto for a career opportunity he has already accepted. Meanwhile, Ratna is not merely seeking leisure; she intends to "take stock" of her life before making a decision on the proposed move.

A World in Chaos

The narrative unfolds through Ratna's perspective, exposing a world fractured by divisions of race, religion, and nationality. She imagines Graeme's analytical recounting of their experiences, drawing parallels to global conflicts—from Belfast to Beirut and Quebec. Ratna is haunted by memories of discrimination, both from her father's Indian family, who once shunned her as a "white rat," and from strangers who would label her "Paki" in Toronto.

Inner Turmoil

Ratna's "refuge" on the island quickly turns into a "prison," reflecting her internal struggle. Her husband Graeme's obsession with order exacerbates her anxiety, as he remains emotionally detached from her fears about life in Toronto. Despite his expertise in personality growth and dysfunctions, Graeme is blind to Ratna's emotional turmoil, prioritizing his career over their marriage.

Denial and Danger

The Claytons attempt to ignore the political upheaval surrounding them, choosing to stay in a hotel near the heart of the riots despite warnings from Justin, their guide. They dismiss his advice to join other Europeans and Indians at a safer location, showcasing their denial. The island's curfew and closures hinder their sightseeing plans, yet they press on, heedless of the danger.

Illusions of Safety

Even the island's middle class seems to live in denial. Justin arranges a peculiar visit to an abandoned royal palace, where the royal band still plays as if colonial days might return. Meanwhile, Madame Papillon, a recluse within her hotel, relies on Justin for news. Ratna, preoccupied with her fears of racism in Toronto, begins to empathize with the historical persecution of Indians in Africa.

A Shattered Evening

During dinner, the Claytons learn of another coup in nearby islands, underscoring the intensifying violence. Graeme remains aloof, engrossed in an article by Kenneth Hsü in Scientific American. His detachment is highlighted when he casually tells Ratna that the island is mere "debris" from a continental collision, oblivious to the day's emotional toll on her.

Stars and Consequences

Still eager to see the Southern Cross, Graeme convinces a waiter to break curfew for a glimpse of the stars, revealing to Ratna his job acceptance in Toronto before he leaves. His promise to leave Toronto if things go awry rings hollow to her ears. Left alone, Ratna engages in a conversation with an American about his inability to understand French, metaphorically reflecting on her own struggles with belonging and identity.