- Dr. Bratton—a.k.a. Dr. Bratwurst—is coming over to meet Bart and his mother. Bart doesn't exactly seem psyched.
- Bart's mom has been really depressed. Her husband's dead, as are most of her coworkers, plus she had her own near brush with death.
- Bart has tried to be brave for his mother because she's had such a hard time, but because of this, he doesn't really have anyone he can share his feelings with.
- Bart's been researching his mom's symptoms online and he thinks she has post-traumatic stress disorder. We think he might be onto something.
- His mother's depression seems to be escalating, and now she's not leaving the house at all.
- The one thing that cheers her up is the prospect of Dr. Bratton's visit. Unlike Bart, she's super psyched about it.
- Bart seems pretty sure that Dr. Bratton's going to run for the hills once he sees their house, but when the morning of his visit finally comes, his mother has perked up a lot. She's so perky, in fact, that she's ironed her jeans. Just think about that for a minute.
- Bart's mom has been trying to see a silver lining in their situation. She hasn't had much luck, though. Nor has Bart.
- Bart has the unhappy realization that his mother would see him being sent to Baileywell as a silver lining. He, er, does not share this view.
- Bart, his mother, and Dr. Bratton sit down for coffee. Dr. Bratton explains the reason for his visit: An anonymous donor has offered to pay Bart's tuition to Baileywell.
- The anonymous donor thinks Bart is wise and mature. (For the record, Bart does not feel wise or mature.)
- Dr. Bratton, while moved by the Rangely family's story, has not bothered to learn Bart's name. Nor will he ever—he refers to Bart as "Brad" throughout the book.
- Dr. Bratton is really selling Baileywell, though, talking about how the students have beautiful friendships and go to elite universities. Bart's mom is seeing stars.
- Throughout the conversation, Bart's panic grows. He really doesn't want to go to Baileywell, but he doesn't feel like he can say anything negative because his mom is so excited.