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The dynamics between David and his family provide the main fuel for the novel’s conflict and broader philosophical messages, and David’s relationship with his parents and siblings emphasize the idea that the family unit should function as a support system and should treat each member as an important part of the whole.

This theme is explored primarily through the family’s focus on caring for Mal, for as David explains, “We’ve been checking on him since he was born, and that was ten years ago” (11). David sees his caretaking of Mal as an essential part of life, but he also resents the fact that his parents lean too heavily on his help. Mom admits that she counts on David to watch Mal in the summer because it is “the only time [she] can get any work done” (72). Thus, David’s role in his family is often to relieve Mom and Dad of their duty to look after Mal, and he seldom feels supported in return.

David also shows his support by working hard to ensure that Mal’s needs are accommodated when they walk through the neighborhood. He pays close attention to Mal’s clothing and headphones to provide Mal with the insulation he needs, and David comes to recognize that supporting Mal requires the family to learn more about Mal; as he asserts, “We have to learn Mal’s Rules” (170).