Chapter 1, The Cat and the Hornbeam Trees Summary

Will Parry, who is twelve years old, is hurrying his mother down a street. She seems unwilling and unsure of what they are doing, but Will manages to get her to the home of Mrs. Cooper, his former piano teacher. Mrs. Cooper is surprised to see both Will and his mother; Will because she has not seen him in some time and Will's mother because she has made up only one eye, but she invites them inside anyway. Will asks Mrs. Cooper to watch his mother for a few days. He offers very little explanation for his request, but does manage to convey to Mrs. Cooper that there is no one else to look after his mother and that it will not be for long. Mrs. Cooper agrees to take in...