Chapter Three: A Hospital Visit. Quitters Never Win. The Shed.
Contains spoilersOverview
Charlie visits the hospitalized Bowditch and pledges to care for Radar, deepening his commitment. He quits baseball to focus on helping and the deteriorating house. A disturbing scratching from the locked shed hints at a hidden threat. Charlie coordinates with his father and a reporter, setting new priorities.
Summary
At dawn, Charlie returns to Bowditch’s house, feeds Radar, and notes her age-driven struggles. Outside, neighbor Althea Richland questions him about Bowditch and the dog. Charlie heads to the hospital and is allowed in early because he called 911.
A nurse explains Bowditch’s severe leg and hip injuries and long recovery ahead. In Room 322, Bowditch, doped on pain meds, worries Radar may need to be put down. Charlie promises to care for Radar, shows photos that cheer Bowditch, and leaves as Bowditch drifts off after muttering, “A brave man helps. A coward just gives presents.”
Back at school, Charlie checks in with Mrs. Silvius and talks about Bowditch’s ancient TV. During baseball practice, distracted by responsibility for Radar and the neglected property, Charlie performs poorly. When Coach Harkness berates him, Charlie calmly quits the team.
That evening, Charlie tends Radar, then notices unsettling scratching and a strange chittering from the locked shed; Radar growls and retreats, but the noise stops after Charlie pounds on the door. He resolves to keep helping around the property.
Charlie tells his father he quit baseball to focus on Bowditch and Radar; George is wary but supportive and shares a reporter’s contact. After feeding Radar and confirming no further shed noises, Charlie calls reporter Bill Harriman, stresses Radar’s role in the rescue, and plans to seek Bowditch’s permission for a photo when possible.
Who Appears
- Charlie Reade
Feeds and bonds with Radar, visits Bowditch, promises care, quits baseball, hears eerie shed noises, contacts reporter.
- Howard Bowditch
Hospitalized with severe leg and hip injuries; considers putting Radar down; entrusts her to Charlie; drifts on pain meds.
- Radar
Elderly German Shepherd; bonds with Charlie; plays with squeaky monkey; growls at the locked shed.
- George Reade
Charlie’s father; supportive but cautious; agrees to get dog food; discusses quitting baseball; shares reporter’s info.
- Coach Harkness
Berates Charlie during practice; demands laps; triggers Charlie’s decision to quit the baseball team.
- Althea Richland
Neighbor who asks about Bowditch and warns about Radar; skeptical of the dog.
- Nurse (Arcadia Hospital)
Explains Bowditch’s injuries and recovery; administers pain meds; allows Charlie a brief visit.
- Mrs. Silvius
School secretary; grants late slip and reminisces about old TVs when shown Bowditch’s set.
- Bill Harriman
Local reporter seeking an interview and photo; Charlie agrees to ask Bowditch for permission.