The next morning, David talks to Dad about getting a summer job. However, David can’t find much summer employment for 14-year-olds. The paper and lawn businesses are locked down already, and without a car and license, David can’t deliver pizzas.

David floats the idea of a summer job to Mom, but she dislikes this idea because she relies on David to watch Mal during the summer, making summer the only time she can get work done. David remarks that Mom doesn’t work because she doesn’t have a job, and Mom angrily lists all her responsibilities to the house, the family, and the community. David regrets his comment, but he still maintains that he has a life, too. Mom asks what he’s been up to, and he reiterates that he has been looking into a job. Mom doesn’t think he needs a job, because he is well-fed and has everything he needs.

Mom asks David to watch Mal so she can go to the grocery store, but David insists on going to the store for her instead. She gives him two 20-dollar bills and a short list. On the way out, David decides to start intercepting the mail to keep an eye out for Mom’s Visa bill.