Joe’s progressive debilitation forces him to retire from Warm Springs, and his departure constitutes a tremendous loss for Petey and Calvin. For several months, they receive letters from Joe postmarked from hospitals in Washington and Oregon. When the letters stop coming six months later, Petey and Calvin come to terms with the realization that their dear friend has passed away. For several years, Calvin and Petey are deprived of any significant personal relationships with staff members. In the aftermath of Joe’s retirement, Calvin sinks into a deep depression, withdrawing into himself and engaging in minimal social contact with anyone but Petey. Even Calvin’s relationship with Petey suffers to a degree. Petey struggles with the ongoing changes happening to his physical form as he ages,

Petey’s small legs grew, tugging in tight against his chest. His right leg slowly crossed the left, leaving both knees angled upward. Petey’s head pitched sideways and his arms and wrists drew in like chicken wings. When he grew exited, his shriveled limbs thrashed about like a big featherless bird trying to take flight (87).

When the United States becomes involved in World War II, most of the younger male attendants who cared for the men on Ward 18 enlist or are drafted into the military.