Summary

As Chapter Ten begins, Charlie struggles to help Ma recover from what happened with Mr. Peacock. At first, she makes jokes about the bruises left behind by the encounter, but sill covers them with powder and refuses to go out of the house. She also becomes increasingly obsessed with cleaning, going over each room again and again, her face white with powder even after the bruises fade. Charlie tries to talk with her about it, knowing that there is something going on inside her that is making her behave as she is. She tells him to leave her alone, and goes on cleaning.

Charlie starts spending more and more time with the Redmonds, grateful for the chance to get away from home. He also thinks he is too young to have all the responsibilities of being the man of the house...