The Schwa Was Here

At dinner, Antsy imagines the terrible tasks that Mr. Crawley will force on him and the Schwa. Antsy’s family does not notice his silence or lack of appetite, but it does disrupt the family dynamic, as Antsy usually makes some joke to defuse his parents’ constant bickering. This time, his parents’ squabbling escalates into an argument before Antsy intervenes.

Antsy and the Schwa must walk Mr. Crawley’s headstrong Afghan hounds, which are named after the seven deadly sins and the seven holy virtues. Crawley is unpleasant and sarcastic, but Antsy and the Schwa do the work because it makes them stand out in the neighborhood, and because they promised. Antsy starts to like the curmudgeonly old man. Antsy does not see Ira and Howie much. When Howie does talk to Antsy, he ignores the Schwa. Antsy realizes how upset the Schwa is about his semi-invisibility. The Schwa’s says that his father sometimes even forgets to cook for him. Antsy, skeptical, invites himself to the Schwa’s house for dinner.

The Schwa’s father, a housepainter, fell off a ladder and suffered brain damage, leaving him severely absentminded. The Schwa posts reminder notes around the house and cares for his father.