The next day, Cally and Luke spend the day with Mrs. Cooper while Dad tries to see if he can help with what’s going on at his work. Luke has his friend Rachel over to hang out with them. When Rachel arrives, it’s “like when the music starts before the show begins” (122): She’s full of energy and ready to have fun with everyone.

Although it’s raining outside, the three kids find several ways to pass the time. They paint each other’s faces, and then Rachel suggests that they cook together. Cally gets out Mom’s old dishes so that they can make cakes and pizzas. After they clean up the dishes, Cally puts them in a box and writes down that they’re for Mrs. Cooper. Mrs. Cooper thanks Cally but says she’ll accept them only if her dad says it’s okay.

The group “has a picnic on the floor” before going into separate rooms for a while (125). Suddenly, Sam’s breathing gets raspier, and his lips turn blue. He tells Cally to go find Mrs. Cooper.