Chapter 21 Summary

Willie takes a bus back to Coho. Lacey gave him an extra ticket back, to use if things do not work out. After riding all day and night on the bus, Willie arrives in Coho on Friday, a little after 4 p.m. The bus station is still at Carson's Drugstore, but Mr. Carson does not recognize him. When Willie gets to his house, he sees that someone else lives there now.

Back in town, he finds Johnny working at the Conoco station. Willie learns that his parents have divorced; his mom is re-married and his dad stays drunk a lot. Everyone thinks Willie is dead, but Johnny's folks would be glad to have him stay with them.

Willie now feels stupid and selfish for not trying harder to let everybody know he was okay. He finds Big Will at the local tavern, but...