Predictions: Haven is going to kill Pinky because she is getting to old have piglets. Rob ruined the apples because he didn't put the ashes under the tree properly. Haven will die very soon.
Images:
This picture shows what autumn looks like in Vermont.
The Peck's own an apple orchard similar to this one.
After dinner, Rob and Haven gathered around the fireplace to talk.
Clarify: Rob is angry with Haven because he implies that Pinky is not going to be able to have piglets and that she will be killed and used for food. Rob needs to step up around the farm and in life because Haven reveals that he won't be around for much longer.
Try: Why can't Pinky have piglets? What does it mean to wish something upon a dead cat? Why do you need to put ashes under an apple tree? What is Haven dying from?
Use: Haven gives Rob a lesson by saying, "Just take time with things. One chore done good beats two chores done ragged.". My parents tell me this all the time, because they say that they'd rather have me do it one time right rather than two times wrong.
Review: In Chapter 12, Rob finds out that Pinky has gotten too old to have piglets and that Haven might just have to boar Pinky. This upsets Rob very much. Rob goes out and kills a squirrel for his mom. Rob's father then talks to him about the apple trees and teaches him a life lesson; one chone done good beats two done ragged. The Peck's then eat the squirrel that Rob shot and some chocolate cake. After dinner, Rob and Haven talk by the fire about how Rob is going to need to step up his responsibilities around the farm because Haven is going to die soon. This leaves Rob shocked beyond belief.