Chapter 12 Summary

As fall transitions into winter, both Charlie's depression and her addiction to painkillers get worse. During this time, she drinks more than ever, loses weight and practically stops sleeping. As a result, Charlie's already fiery temper becomes more exaggerated, and Hector pitifully bears the brunt of her tirades. His lack of employment releases a particularly violent wrath in Charlie, though her mood always improves by the next day. The depressing influence starts to infiltrate Mary, as sometimes Charlie reads her existential philosophy books aloud to Mary in bed. Both Lecia and Mary develop superstitious habits, like avoiding sidewalk cracks, and begin a vigilant watch over their mother. Both girls are hyper-aware of Charlie's depression, and they fear she may commit suicide if they don't watch her closely enough.

Charlie and Hector go on vacation to Mexico twice this winter. The trips are pointless...