Chapter 9 Summary

Toby wakes extra early on Friday morning in order to mow Miss Myrtle Mae's grass before it gets too late and to save time to visit Scarlett later in the afternoon. Toby dresses and goes downstairs to find his Dad still in his pajamas. Toby is surprised because his Dad is usually up and dressed before everyone in the house. Toby impresses his Dad by drinking coffee, only to discover that he does not like it. Then his Dad asks Toby to take Mrs. McKnight a bucket of soil from the worms for her roses. Now Toby knows his Dad is depressed. Toby's Dad normally does not like to miss a chance to speak with Mrs. McKnight.

Toby finds Mrs. McKnight in her backyard. When she asks about Toby's Mom's competition, Toby finds himself lying. Toby says there was a fire in the...