Chapters 7-8, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, Conrad meets with Karen Aldrich, a girl he met in the hospital. She tells him she's doing well and is very involved at school. Conrad tells her about seeing Dr. Berger. She tells him that she and God are the only ones that can help her. This makes Conrad feel guilty about seeing Dr. Berger (and liking him), so he tells her the sessions were his father's idea. When Karen leaves, Conrad is angry because he thinks she just wants to get away from him. She was his only friend in the hospital.

Chapter 8.Cal and Beth attend a party given by neighbors. Cal is reluctant to leave Conrad but Beth is determined to go. At the party, Cal keeps his drink glass filled, drawing pointed stares from Beth. Both are ill at ease...