- In the months before the boating trip, Ben had objected loudly and often to the plan. He didn't want to leave home.
- One day, his dad brought home a bunch of duffel bags and told the boys to pack up. The movers were coming the next day.
- Dad got rid of a bunch of stuff, including his wife's things. Ben protested weakly, but he didn't have much of a say in all this.
- Ben rescued a photo of his mother from one of the boxes. It's a small act of rebellion, but it's all he's got.