In The Cay, how does the book begin, and what conflict is introduced right away?

From the first chapter, we learned of Phillip Enright, who lived on the island of Curacao. His father was the reason why Phillip and his mother were in Curacao. Phillip’s father pursued a job opportunity on the island to work as an expert in the refineries. Phillip’s mother was displeased by the family’s relocation to the island from their home in Virginia.

The attack by German submarines on Aruba, a neighboring island, signified a major...

From the first chapter, we learned of Phillip Enright, who lived on the island of Curacao. His father was the reason why Phillip and his mother were in Curacao. Phillip’s father pursued a job opportunity on the island to work as an expert in the refineries. Phillip’s mother was displeased by the family’s relocation to the island from their home in Virginia.

The attack by German submarines on Aruba, a neighboring island, signified a major conflict. The Germans attacked the refinery on the island, prompting a lock-down on the area. Phillip’s mother asked him not to venture outside because of the security threat, but Phillip disobeyed her. Together with his friend Henrik, they visited the old port and the bridge on the island. Phillip and Henrik encountered soldiers deployed to protect the different facilities. The soldiers also asked the civilians to go back to their homes.

Phillip’s mother was annoyed when she found out that Phillip ventured outside. Later, Phillip’s father arrived from work, and they talked about the situation on the islands. Phillip’s mother tried to dissuade him from talking about the situation, but his father indulged him in the conversation.