Al Capone Does My Shirts

Wednesday, January 9, 1935

Helen happily tells Moose that she met with Carrie Kelly, who insisted they take one of Natalie’s comfort objects—a button box—away from her so she has “no more counting […] no more obsessions” (81). Helen has bought into Mrs. Kelly’s new tough-love approach, agreeing that Natalie’s fixations “get in Natalie’s way” and that the Flanagans are wrong to indulge her: “If Natalie’s going to change, we have to change first’” (81). Moose takes offence to this statement, disliking the idea that the family is to blame for Natalie’s disability. He bristles at Mrs. Kelly idea that Natalie is “not supposed to do anything she actually likes to do” (81). Helen also asks Moose if he can look after Natalie after school because she is going to teach piano to a few students in order to earn more money. Mrs. Kelly advises them that Moose should take Natalie wherever he goes like a normal sister. Moose’s mom tells him: “We need to help Natalie join the human race” (83).

However, Moose remembers that he plays baseball and can’t commit to looking after Natalie on certain days. His mother asks him to ask Scout if they can change the days they play baseball.