The Housemaid Is Watching
by Freida McFadden
Contents
Chapter 31
Overview
At Nico’s Little League game, a close call at first base triggers Nico’s simmering anger. After being called out, Nico swears and punches the first baseman, forcing Millie and Enzo to confront a more serious pattern than schoolyard drama. Coach Ted enforces a no-tolerance rule and kicks Nico off the team, sending the family home in stunned silence.
Summary
Millie, Enzo, Ada, and Nico attend Nico’s Little League game on a hot May day. Ada reluctantly comes along but sits in the stands reading Stranger with My Face, and Millie tries to keep her engaged while Enzo watches the game intensely.
Nico comes up to bat frustrated after a hitless day. He finally makes contact and sprints to first, but the pitcher throws the ball in time and the umpire calls Nico out, which enrages Enzo and visibly sets Nico off.
Nico argues on the field, throws his cap, and Millie hears him swear. When the first baseman says something to Nico, Nico escalates and punches the other boy in the stomach, knocking him down as the child cries on the ground.
Millie and Enzo rush down to the field, shocked. Coach Ted immediately cites the league’s no-tolerance policy for violence and tells Enzo that Nico is off the team; Enzo doesn’t argue and, furious and embarrassed, orders Nico to come home.
Who Appears
- Nico (Nicolas)Loses his temper after an out call; punches another boy and gets kicked off the team.
- MillieNarrator; attends the game, worries about Nico’s behavior, and rushes onto the field.
- EnzoNico’s father; initially protests the call, then is stunned and takes Nico home.
- AdaComes to support Nico; disengaged, reads in the stands while tension builds.
- Coach TedLittle League coach; enforces a no-tolerance violence policy and removes Nico from the team.
- First baseman (unnamed boy)Target of Nico’s punch; collapses crying as adults intervene.