Summary

In “Understanding,” Lily tries to talk to Conor about their friendship. She offers forgiveness for Conor’s having gotten her in trouble, but Conor is not interested in conceding that he did anything to her. Lily’s mom says they need to be extra patient with Conor because of his struggle at home, but he refuses to accept her kindness. Conor recalls that as soon as his mother’s illness became known, Lily told a few friends and everyone started treated Conor strangely. Their “allowances” for his feelings made him lonely, and he blames Lily for knowing about his pain. In the schoolyard that day, Harry punches Conor. For a moment there is a standoff, where Harry threatens to hit Conor again but wants him to flinch. Conor does not flinch, and Harry leaves him alone. Miss Kwan sees the boys and breaks...