
after the assault on Mr. Carlson, spring
Confrontation with father in garage
After his suspension, Charlie's father, Carl Decker, confronts him in the garage. Carl attempts to beat Charlie with a belt, but Charlie fights back, grabbing a hatchet. They face off, and Carl backs down. Charlie gets six stitches for a cut on his cheek, and they never discuss the incident again. Charlie begins carrying his father's pistol to school.