Steve goes to the Department of Social Services with Mike, who calls several prospective homes that might take Steve temporarily, but without luck. Steve suggests Mr. Sykes, a teacher in the Upward Bound program who was always kind to him. Mr. Sykes agrees to let Steve come stay with him for a few days. Steve begins to understand that he will never have to return to the Robinsons. His life now has options that he has never known. 

Mike takes Steve to Southeastern Massachusetts University. Mr. Sykes is a popular, funny, beloved teacher with long hair. He asks Steve to call him John. As they leave for John’s home in Westport, Steve remembers a quote from one of the books he received from Mrs. Levin: “There are other ways that people live in this world” (104).

John has a cot for Steve to sleep on in his living room. That night in the dark, whenever Steve hears a car on the street, he goes to the window, worried that it might be Reggie.