Summary

Chapter 18 takes place on September 5 and is narrated by Maria. Maria, Ernest, and Wyatt take a trip to an aquarium together. Maria is very happy to see how happy Ernest and Wyatt both are. However, Maria then receives a phone call from child welfare. Wyatt’s grandparents are willing to take custody of him, and the court hearing to make it official has been scheduled for tomorrow. Maria is saddened, as she fears Ernest’s emotional and neurological health might decline after Wyatt’s departure. Also, Maria has already begun to think of Wyatt as something of a son to herself and Ernest. At home, the three of them watch some of Maria and Ernest’s old home movies together. Maria then tells Wyatt the story of how she and Ernest first met. That night, at Wyatt’s request, Maria takes Wyatt to the...