Carry Me Home 49-150

When listening to the radio, everyone in town learns of the bombing on Pearl Harbor. The town also receives word of the death of Louie, one of the boys who got drafted shortly after Jimmy signed up for the army. Earwig gets a puppy for Christmas from his dad and he names it Lucky. He takes Lucky everywhere with him, and they become friends. Earwig’s family receives news that Jimmy is a Prisoner of War, but he’s still alive. Earwig becomes good friends with Eva Leigh, whose abusive husband is overseas, and Eva’s sister, Ruby Leigh, the town whore. He gets a job at the bowling alley where Eva and Ruby work. Earwig’s dad leaves to work in a neighboring town because he’s not earning enough of a living where he’s at. He stays there during the week and comes home on weekends. That puts a lot of stress on the family, and Earwig’s parents are fighting all the time. It is also discovered that Molly is cheating on Jimmy while he’s overseas. Earwig finds a box in the attic that has evidence that his mom used to be in love with his dad’s brother, Willie. He also discovers that Jimmy is actually Willie’s son, which means they’re only half brothers. Eva Leigh’s husband, Luke, dies in the war. Eddie contracts polio, and he doesn’t even have a high chance to live. However, he makes a full recovery, and is even able to walk again.