I think Uncle wants to go fight in the war and leave Salva alone because he doesn't want Salva to be in danger. He wants to go help in the war and doesn't want Salva to come so he doesn't get hurt.

When Salva encounters someone who he presumes is his mom, he starts chasing after her, determined to catch up. It's only when he starts to call out for her again that he succumbs to the truth, that his family didn't make it. Through all of this struggling, he thinks about what Uncle always said to him during the walk to Ethiopia, just take one more step. He keeps this in mind everyday, and it helps him to overcome the circumstances he faces at the refugee camp.

        The group's attitude changes toward Salva because Uncle died. Uncle no longer helps Salva and the group doesn't think of Salva that well. They think that he will slow the group down and need help for everything because he is a child. I think Salva will try to do everything without much help, so the other people don't think he will be too much trouble.

I think after Salva grows older, he will start to realize more how precious the resources given to him are. Even though he is kind-hearted as a kid, growing up could give him a new perspective on things, like keeping the water to himself instead of taking the risk to help others.

might slow them down or start crying again, as he had in the desert"