 There is a mutual attraction between Tom and upstairs neighbor, Valerie Bessinger, but he is equally exasperated by her as well. Tom first meets her when Eddie, who is part of her experimental play group, comes back from one of her sessions with a toy bear made out of a cut up American flag. Tom is offended by that act. But Valerie wanted the children to experience the flag in a different and more meaningful way to them. Valerie is somewhat of a free spirit, philanthropic and socially political with many political connections. She also has a zest for life. Her latest cause is to have officially a reflower the earth day, a cause she has not only taken up with the Senate, but also with her play group. The children are equally excited about it. There is mutual adoration between Valerie and Eddie, and Eddie would love her to be his mother. Tom contemplates what it would be like to have Valerie as a wife and as a mother for Eddie. But he doesn t have a chance to find out as Valerie all of a sudden picks up and moves: she has received an appointment to a political position in Washington. She is leaving on her reflower the earth day, leaving the children in the lurch. Tom is angry with Valerie for disappointing the children, specifically Eddie, solely for her own interests. Although Valerie wants to maintain a relationship and friendship with Tom, Tom declines. He feels that she is, in his words, not committed but fashionable. But Tom will admit that his time with Valerie has been an experience he wouldn t have missed.