Chapter 12 Summary

Chapter 12 is a detailed account of the trial that decides Molly's custody. Brian is the first witness on the stand, and he is first questioned by his lawyer, Fine, who tries to establish through his questions that after Anna began a relationship with Leo, worrisome changes became evident in Molly, from sleep disturbances to excessive curiosity about nudity and penises.

When Muth cross-examines Brian, he attempts to demonstrate through his questions that Brian and Brenda had relegated the majority of Molly's care to their nanny and maid, Mrs. Reinhardt. Muth also forces Brian to admit that he has missed several of his scheduled visits with Molly since the divorce, and attempts to demonstrate that the worrisome changes in Molly are attributable to the changes the divorce itself wrought in her life, rather than to Anna's relationship with Leo.

An important element of Muth's...