In Chapters 31–40, Stanley runs away from Camp Green Lake to find Zero, who has survived by drinking old jars of preserved peaches he calls "Sploosh." Together, they set off toward a mountain Stanley believes is "God’s Thumb." As they struggle through the desert, Zero becomes weak and sick. Stanley carries him up the mountain, where they find water and wild onions, which help Zero recover. They bond deeply, and Zero reveals he was the one who stole the sneakers that led to Stanley’s arrest.
