 | Peaches was torn by her love for Gregor and the disapproval of her parents. As expected, her parents did not take it well when she told them of her new love. | |
 | Even her old friend Tandy seemed to have misgivings about her going out with a Grendel. When Peaches showed her the stuffed animal Gregor had given her, Tandy said she was happy for her, but Peaches couldn't help but notice the way Tandy took a step backward to avoid catching any terrible diseases. | |
 | Peaches discussed this at length with Gregor. "Maybe I have to run away from home," Peaches sobbed. "My Mom and Dad are so prejudiced. They think Grendels are big stupid monsters. They'll never accept you! I love you, Gregor, but what can I do? What can I do???" | |
 | Gregor tried to comfort her. He told her to remember that her parents loved her and only wanted the best for her. | |
 | Tears flowed from Peaches's eyes as she thought about how much her parents cared for her. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt them, but she didn't think they could ever accept a Grendel. | |
 | "Well, let's go to our secret place so we can think," suggested Gregor. "Don't worry, we'll think of something." Together they descended to their special hiding place. As they silently thought things through, Gregor tended his garden, conscientiously plucking out the weeds as he did every day. | |