This continues the story of Ben who is ten and lives with his dad in a single parent family. His dad's friend Ray does not like Ben but does enjoy teasing him and getting him in trouble. This story is set at a time when Ben's dad is away in hospital for long term treatment, leaving Ray to take care of young Ben.
I had a miserable day at school. Ray had prepared a list of chores for me at the weekend with the usual threats of retribution if they were not performed to his satisfaction. I even had to clean his boots when I cleaned my school shoes. Dad had never made me clean his boots. Ray reminded me that he would ''paddle my nice young butt'' if I did not do what he told me, so I just did my best. Ray told me that I could not go and play with my friends so I had to sit and read school books when I was not doing the chores.
When I sulked, Ray threatened me with punishment so I stayed out of his way as much as possible.
ON the MOnday morning I left for school without disturbing Ray who had deceided to take the day off from work. Returning home that evening I entered the house by the back door as usual. Ray must have heard me because he called out and told me to come and see him in the living room. I remembered to pull my school socks up tight before I entered the room. Ray was lying on the sofa with the TV on loud and there were two empty beer cans on the carpet by his side.
''Go to your room and put on the clothes I have laid out on your bed'' he told me.