Cathy Gate’s is the popular, cheerleader that seems to have some kind of romantic relationship with Jonathan McKinnon at the beginning of the novel, although it is never confirmed whether the two were in a committed relationship. Cathy serves as the only true physical antagonist in the novel for she seems to be the very person that brings out Sundara’s insecurities. Even though Cathy appears only a few times throughout the duration of the novel, it is the uncertainty of her relationship with Jonathan that keeps Sundara holding onto her own familiar Khmer traditions. Furthermore, Cathy represents a character that is the exact opposite of Sundara and the changed person that Jonathan eventually becomes. This contrast shows not only a more interesting plot, but also the vast differences between the lives of two similarly aged girls living at the same time. This unique difference forces readers to reflect on the huge impact of life experiences in their lives and truly relate to the characters on a deeper level.