Houston, Sophomore Year (pp. 83-88) Summary

Steve and his father typically avoid each other, rarely having conversation. In fact, Steve arranges his day to purposefully be home only when his father is not. This strained relationship stems from Steve erroneously believing that his father was primarily responsible for his parents' divorce. Steve also resents having a famous and successful man for a father, and feels that he is living in the shadow of his father's notable accomplishments.

Even though their relationship is particularly strained, Steve decides to ask to borrow his father's new car for the homecoming date. Because he does not want to answer any questions regarding his date, he borrows the car on the pretext of using it for work as his own car, he lies, is momentarily inoperable. Steve then looks through his closet and despairs at his...