In chapter 9, the therapist Dr. Fein speaks with Oskar’s mother privately at his office. Although Oskar is outside and the door is closed, he uses a stethoscope to eavesdrop on their conversation and thus does not hear every word clearly. Dr. Fein thinks that Oskar would benefit from a stay in a hospital or similar institution. Oskar can clearly hear that his mother is angry when she responds.

The meeting between the mother and the doctor comes at the end of Oskar’s session with Dr. Fein (or Howard). He has been seeing a therapist because his mother was concerned about his emotional state and the bruises she has noticed, which are self-inflicted.

In their session, Oskar explains to the doctor that he thinks his highly emotional reaction to his father’s death is the appropriate response. He refers to his behavior as “wearing heavy boots” and says that those who do not wear heavy boots are the ones who need the help. Oskar also tells the doctor that he is seeing him because of his mother’s worries. This conveys that Oskar sees the problem as hers rather than his.

Although he knows that the doctor wants to speak to his mother privately, he decides to try to hear their conversation. Although he is somewhat concerned that the doctor recommends hospitalization, he is heartened by his mother’s response, as she insists that their home is safe for her son.