Events in Russia and in Asher's home are so grave that Asher is ignored. Asher, starts school and his father is busy working for the Rebbe. Asher's mother is busy at school trying to finish what her brother started. Asher's is forgotten about. His mother is always busy studying and he has stopped drawing. Asher now does not want to study, he does not care much about school. "I stood near the corner of the bungalow, staring at the closed screen door. There had not even noticed me."(59)

Many Jew's are being killed in Russia. Asher's father tends to tell his mother only about the happenings in Russia. The most talked about topic in Asher's house has to do with the Jews being killed in Russia and Asher's father does not want to talk about this with Asher.

Asher's kitchen table often turned into his mother's homework desk. She was always busy studying for exams and tests for school. She no longer had time to walk with Asher or spend time with him to go rowing or playing. "Asher, do you understand I have to finish my work in school?"(73) Mrs. Rackover took the place of Asher's mother cleaning and cooking also looking over Asher. No longer did Asher's mother cook dinner for the family. The strong friendship between Asher and his mother is now severed and it does not look hopeful that there friendship with resurface for a long time.

With everything that is going on in Russia and at home, Asher is forced to grow up. He now attends school. He stopped drawing, because it was deemed as foolish by his father. Asher is also forced to find a place where he feels wanted. He goes to Yudel Krinsky's store to talk to someone who will listen to him. Asher often visits the store and spends time with Mr. Krinsky because he feels convertible talking to Mr. Krinsky rather than being at home and ignored. Asher is trying to find a friend, because he can no longer talk to his father or his mother.