David’s final years near West End Park are a whirlwind of formative experiences and hard lessons. The chapter captures the turbulence of late childhood: crushes, first cigarettes, and early acts of rebellion like shoplifting, all set against the backdrop of a changing family. School mishaps, such as a classroom accident and a teacher’s tough-love approach, blend with moments of vulnerability and embarrassment. As older siblings move out and new friendships form, David faces the challenges of adapting to a new neighborhood after his family relocates. The move brings both loss—like the death of a beloved pet—and new beginnings, including the arrival of a puppy and the forging of new bonds with neighborhood kids. Through these transitions, David learns resilience, adaptability, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, setting the stage for the next ...