The chapter highlights the growing pains of Thomas, a teenaged Heeler struggling to integrate into his new life in Australia. His day begins with tension regarding his identity and family structure and escalates into physical conflict at school.

Key Story Beats

* Morning Friction: Thomas reacts defensively when Bandit suggests he might call Chilli "mum," stating he only has one mother and she is gone.

* The School Incident: Thomas is physically assaulted by two students—a German Shepherd and a Husky—who tell him to "go back to America".

* Administrative Fallout: A teacher intervenes, and all parties are sent to the principal's office. Thomas is subsequently suspended for several days.

* Chilli’s Intervention: Because Bandit is stuck at work, Chilli picks Thomas up from school. Despite Thomas's initial rudeness an ...