Summary

When the children discover that Mr. Beiderman’s family died a few years ago, they immediately feel compassion and sadness that he is all alone. The children find their moods dampened when they think about how difficult life would be without a family. Isa goes back to the Castleman’s bakery to buy bread for the next day’s dinner despite being nervous about seeing Benny after their awkward conversation. They bicker before Benny reveals that he has been upset that she blew off his invitation to the dance. Isa tells him that Jessie never even told her he had asked. Isa sets off for home, determined to get answers.

Mama is exasperated when Mr. Beiderman’s real estate agent tries to schedule a showing on Christmas Eve. When Jessie comes home, Isa shouts at her about lying. Jessie sleeps on the couch...