Finch describes a visit to his father’s new house “in the more expensive part of town” (67), accompanied by his sisters, Kate and Decca. His father is a former professional hockey player who has married a much younger woman, Rosemarie, the mother of seven-year-old Josh Raymond.

Kate, who substitutes for her mother in many ways, has advised her father that Finch was unable to visit during November and December due to his participation in a “study-away program” (69), rather than explaining that her brother was suffering from depression. Delighted with the opportunity to upset his macho father, Finch comments that he enjoys figure skating but is unsure if he wishes to pursue this for a career. While the older Finch displays infinite patience when correcting young Josh Raymond, he is clearly angered when his son announces that he is a vegetarian and unable to eat the grilled meat that has been prepared.

’Upon arrival home, Finch gives his mother a kiss “because she needs it” (71). Kate tells Finch that she has decided to attend college in Denver in the fall, although her brother is aware that she is merely following her “cheating high school boyfriend” (72) to this destination. 

Finch tries on various personas with some frequency.