At the beginning of the story we see a depressed and downhearted Conrad, racing through the things that he has to do in the days to come. Our first impression of Conrad's relationship with his parents is found on Pg 4 when he is thinking about what his parents are talking about downstairs. He says to himself "They certainly would not be talking about anything important." The reader gets the impression that he has sour feelings toward his parents. Conrad at this point has just returned from the hospital after trying

Slowly through the novel Conrad seems to start to get closer to people but the has his lapses hear and there. On pg. 110 after having a great day going to get the Christmas tree he comes home and is torn apart by his mother. Beth makes such a big deal about Conrad quitting the swim team that a shouting match starts. In response Conrad says," I would have told you if I thought you gave a damn". He then storms upstairs and begins to cry. His cold-hearted mother doesn't even care that he is crying, but his father goes up to console him. This is a big setback in his recovery and his trying to get closer to others. In the conversation that follows Conrads feelings towards his mother are released. On pg. 114 Conrad says, "She hates me. Theres nothing I can do about it." But on the other hand we see the positive relationship developing between Burger and Conrad. When Calvin tries to blame the situation on Burger Conrad says, "Don't blame it on Burger it isn't his fault." This shows Conrads respect for Burger, and foreshadows their friendship in the future. His deep conversations with Burger have made Conrad give him respect because of the control that Burger seems to have over Conrad. Burger doesn't let Conrad get away with the things that others do. As the relationship between Burger and Conrad develop, we see Conrad begin to try relationships out with others.

In one of his next meetings with Burger we see Conrad starting to think about females and what it would be like to be with one. He brings up the fact that he is jerking off and Burger says, "Listen, I told you, it's a tension- reducer. And its normal, don't worry about it. Its also a sign that your waking up, so relax will you." In this sentence we see that Dr. Burger really thinks that Conrad is improving and is happy for him. Conrad says "I guess I think of you as a friend". In response Burger says, "Well. I think of you as mine, too, Kiddo." "You don't have to say that." We see a real friendship developing, which is just the thing that Conrad needs to get him over the hump.

Ever since Buck's death, Conrad had disassociated himself with others and tried to keep to himself. He doesn't do things like: touch football, basketball and group activities. The death of his brother had taken its toll on Conrad. This is evid

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Approximate Word count = 1565
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)