Lucio and Fran LoPresti are neighbors of the Allstons. The LoPrestis and the Allstons are friendly until the Fourth of July during which Marian learns she is dying. Joe and his wife, as well as Marian, attend the LoPresti's party. Fran, an amateur sculpture, wants Joe's opinion of her new sculpture. Joe avoids her throughout the party, unwilling to give an honest opinion of the sculpture that appears to be a female representation of Fran's feelings for her teen daughter. However, Joe becomes drunk and approaches the work of art with another drunk party guest. They begin making fun of the sculpture and Fran overhears. This causes a permanent rift in the relationship between the LoPrestis and the Allstons.