Summary

Chapter 33 is from Natalie's perspective, and is dated August 1952. Natalie and Teddy have barely seen each other over the summer. One evening, Abe answers the telephone. Mort says Teddy is refusing to eat until he sees Natalie. When Natalie and Abe arrive, she quickly convinces Teddy to leave his room. At the kitchen table, he refuses to eat until Rose gives in to his demands for a twice-weekly visit with Natalie.

Chapter 34, from Natalie's perspective, is dated September 1956. Natalie and Teddy are in third grade. Natalie recalls being in trouble one Friday for hitting a boy at school. When Helen demanded to know why, Natalie explained that the boy was “teasing Teddy” (146). Helen then asked if Natalie hitting the boy put an end to the teasing and Natalie said she could not be certain until they returned to school. Natalie believes her mother...