Over the weeks, Georgie’s wounds heal, and he becomes physically stronger. His hair grows enough for him to need a haircut, and the barber calls him “handsome.” Mr. Collier continues visiting the school and helping Georgie with his reading. Sometimes, Mr. Collier records Georgie’s reading and plays it back for him, which allows Georgie to improve. Georgie practices by reading to Robin, his rosebush, and Sister Mary Angela. Mrs. Harper pays for Georgie to stay at the school, and Sister Mary Angela asks him to forgive Mrs. Harper. Georgie says he can’t, and Sister Mary Angela shares a story with him about the time her car wheels got stuck in the ice, and she spun in circles with no escape. She compares this to Georgie’s attitude toward Mrs. Harper and hopes with time that “the ice melts” (124).

Georgie visits the Harpers daily to take Robin to feed the ducks. Mr. Collier joins them to ensure Robin’s safety, though Georgie thinks he can care for him alone. Georgie enjoys playing in Paul’s tree house and everyone can see that Robin loves Georgie like he loved Paul.