Summary

In the chapter “Barely Floating,” it has been six months since Max promised to give Karl lessons in exchange for a painting. Since he hasn’t heard from him, Karl has decided Max has forgotten about their deal. He continues to work out for spite, hoping maybe to find another coach who would agree to train him. He imagines himself defeating Max in the boxing ring in retaliation.

In February, the family is forced to fire Frau Kressel because they can no longer afford to pay her. Hildy, along with Rebecca, takes the news hard. Rebecca stays in the tub most of the evening on which Kressel leaves. Sig has instructed the children to knock on the bathroom door every ten minutes to be sure she has not fallen asleep in the tub. After dinner, Hildy checks on...