In Chapter 2, Bryon's mother is in the hospital. Bryon and Mark catch a ride from a hippie named Randy to the hospital. Bryon mentions that his mother was happy to see them even though she had many visitors. Bryon says his neighborhood was full of friendly individuals who brought his mother various kinds of food during her stay at the hospital. Shortly after entering his mother's room, she tells Bryon to stop in and visit with the boy next door. When Bryon asks why, his mother tells him that the boy has not had any visitors to see him. Initially, Bryon refuses to visit with the stranger and heads to the snack bar, where he meets Cathy. Mark volunteers to talk with the boy across the hall. After Bryon speaks to Cathy, he walks into the boy's room to look for Mark and has a conversation with the stranger, too.