Chapter 4 Summary

Pru is seven months pregnant and huge. They are living at Ma Springer's (Mom-mom) and she is beginning to show signs of impatience. Because of the number of people living together, they have had to use the good china and Pru has dropped a few pieces.

At Kent, Pru was not a student but worked in the administration office. This gave her a special standing in Nelson's view. He liked the fact that she had her own apartment and even her own car, a salt-rotted old Plymouth Valiant. Now in Brewer and married, they get out once in a while. They have friends who hang around the Laid-Back. They sometimes get invited to parties at the apartments of their friends from Laid-Back.

One such party takes place a few nights later when Nelson and Pru go to Slim's apartment for dancing, drinking and...