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Resolution
Lily and Albert are informed that the war has ended. Lily's father arrives and has Albert's sister with him. The book fast forwards to a year later. Lily is on her way to Rockaway, missing Albert and hoping he is returning for the summer. -
Exposition
Lily overhears the radio announcer talking about the invation of Normandy (D-Day). This was approximatly a week before Lily, her grandmother, and father venture to Rockaway for their yearly vacation. Lily is packing her things and reminises loosing her mother. Lily also talks about her father with admiration, reflecting their close bond. Lily also mentions how excited she is to be reunited with her bestfriend Margaret, whom lives in Rockaway. -
Conflict
Lily finally returns to Rockaway only to discover her best friend Margret is moving away. Margaret's father is being sent to work in a factory creating weapons. Lily's vacation becomes a nightmare when she is also told that her father is being sent away to Europe due to the military's shortage of engineers. -
Rising Action
After Lily's sudden devistation, she becomes friends with a Hungarian refugee named Albert. Albert and Lily eventually become very close friends and spend everyday together. Lily is humored by Albert's inablility to do many of the things that Lily does, however Albert seems content with that. The two begin caring for a kitten together, and Lily tries teaching Albert to swim. -
Turning Point
Albert confesses to Lily that his sister is very sick and staying in Europe. Lily sympathizes with Albert and convinces him that he can swim to his sister. Albert believes Lily, and begins taking his swimming lessons seriously. Albert finally learns how to swim. -
Falling Action
Lily confesses that she had been lying to Albert, and that he could not swim to Europe. Albert gets angry and attempts to get to Eupore on a troop ship. Albert falls overboard and Lily is forced to save him from the cold water.
