Chapter 2, Part 1 Summary

Julian English awakens at 11:00 on Christmas morning. For a few seconds, he enjoys the beauty of the snow-covered world outside his window, but as he turns toward Caroline's empty bed, he suddenly remembers last night. Julian is so ashamed of his behavior that he manages to brush his teeth and get dressed without once meeting his own eyes in the mirror. He dresses for Christmas dinner with his father and mother, and then goes downstairs for juice and coffee. He wishes he could stay home and never have to see another person besides Caroline.

Caroline comes in from making her Christmas visit to the neighbor's children. She asks him to return the expensive bracelet he bought her for Christmas. She says it is beautiful, but she is sure that they will no longer be able to afford it, when the consequences...