The book starts out hinting about problems between the parents. It appears only to be verbal abuse until mid-story, when the ma doesn't get up one morning. Readers are left to assume that she was hiding a bruise or evidence of a physical fight the night before. Paddy realizes it is serious, but hopes she will be up after school so everything can appear normal. When he comes home, she is up and he likes to think the day will be ok now.
Paddy begins to take on the role of protector. He wants to believe in his da, but at the same time, he doesn't like him. He knows that he was lied to about the autograph in the book, and he doesn't like the way he is treated. He doesn't feel like he can.....
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