Stand Tall

When Tree’s friend Eli explains that his sister is allergic to his parrot, Fred, the Bentons take the bird in. Fred says, “Back off, Buster” (95), which frustrates Grandpa, who resolves to teach the bird some manners. Meanwhile, Tree contemplates the transformation of the white oak in the park into a skeleton without any leaves. He muses that winter seems to last forever, just like his grief over the divorce, which sneaks up on him both physically, with stomachaches, and emotionally, when he feels like a visitor in his mom’s house.

When Sophie says her iguana, Lassie, is slowing down, Tree notices that Bradley is getting older as well. The dog now naps often and sometimes cannot make it outside to go to the bathroom. When Tree’s dad suggests that Bradley is reaching the end of his life, Tree panics. Then, he shows Bradley a picture of dog poop outside. However, once outside, Bradley fails to chase a squirrel and only barks at Mrs. Clitter’s cat, his nemesis. Tree’s dad apologizes for scaring his son but gently advises that they consider the dog’s future.