A Simple Solution to an Impossible Problem Summary

The day after Oskar and the renter dig up Dad's grave, Oskar goes to Mr. Black's door, but finds he has moved out. Oskar regrets how they part, hopes Mr. Black is on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, but will not check. Oskar is losing interest in the lock. Oskar meets Peter Black in Sugar Hill and returns home exhausted, frustrated, pessimistic, and wanting to do nothing, Oskar presses the Message Play button on the phone he usually ignores. Abby Black says she has not been completely honest and thinks she can help, so Oskar heads out in the dark to the house he visited eight months earlier. Abby explains that her ex-husband can help him with the key.Oskar learns that Abby has talked with his mom...