Chapter 3 Summary

They leave the party, which Otto, true to his curmudgeonish nature, disliked. Sophie tries to cheer him up, but he resists and complains that the country is falling apart. As an example, he points out that someone had thrown a stone through the Holstein's window. When they arrive home, the telephone rings but they do not answer it. They worry that they have been robbed or the house has been broken into.

Sophie's hand continues to throb. They see what appears to be the cat again and Otto chases him out, saying he will call the ASPCA the next day. Sophie says that Otto is becoming eccentric, like her friend Tanya. Otto hates Tanya and prefers her friend Claire. They transition into bickering but are able to deescalate and go to bed. Sophie is happy that they avoided the quarrel and she worries...