As Hunham and Angus spend several weeks together, their initially strained relationship transforms into a deep connection. Alone on Christmas, they reflect on the absence of meaningful connections in their lives. Hunham, initially critical of Angus’s irresponsible behavior, softens when he learns about Angus’s troubled family dynamics, discovering that Angus’s father is alive but in a psychiatric facility. Angus, neglected by his mother and stepfather, Judy and Stanley Clotfelter, longs for a trip to Boston, a dream unfulfilled during Christmas break at Barton Academy. Despite Hunham’s efforts to create a festive atmosphere at the school, Angus insists on the Boston trip. In Boston, Angus attempts to contact his father during a screening of Little Big Man. Hunham realizes Angus’s true motives and agrees to take him to see his father, violating Judy’s strict orders. The revelation prompts Judy to threaten military school for Angus. To protect Angus, Hunham takes the blame for the Boston trip, resulting in his immediate termination. Surprisingly unfazed, Hunham recognizes that he has positively impacted Angus’s life, embracing a new journey free from the constraints of Barton Academy.