Chapter 18 Summary

Shirley and Manny discuss Grandpa Izzy's illness. Shirley is sure he will fall again, but Manny is optimistic. Shirley says Izzy should come to live with them, and Manny agrees if it will put her mind at rest. Rachel tries to imagine her grandfather there every minute. She dreads his constant critical comments on everything. Feeling guilty, she remembers that "all the time" means only 2 or 3 months until Izzy dies.

Shirley calls and asks Izzy to come live with them. He refuses, exclaiming he is not sick; he is just a little short of breath. Why is everyone making such a big fuss? Manny calls Grandpa Izzy and tries to convince him, but fails. Rachel offers to try to convince him. To buy time she asks, "Are you going for a walk tomorrow?" Suddenly she has an inspiration. "Wait until I get there...