Summary

Chapter 16

One day Ed takes Connell to the batting cages. Connell struggles to connect with the fast-moving balls. Ed takes a turn after Connell urges him to give it a try. Ed lets most of the balls go by him. Connell pushes his father to take a swing. Ed waits until he gets the right ball and smashes it. It would have been a home-run in a ball field. Connell is impressed. He takes another turn and does better, knocking out a few line drives. They have lunch afterwards at a diner. Ed tells Connell he always liked to watch him eat when he was a baby. Perhaps it made him feel confident that Connell would thrive. He still likes watching him eat.

Chapter 17

Eileen decides to give Ed a surprise party for his fiftieth birthday. She thinks it will help wake him...