At ten years old, Richard is often asked when he will start seeing things “as they are.” Richard’s mother tells him that they are to visit his grandfather in New York since he is returning to Germany. Richard does not want to go until his mother tells him that he can bring back presents for his friends, Anna, Mr. Schmitt, and Ted— their servant, the iceman, and his horse.  Upon arriving in New York, Richard notices that his mother often eats lunch alone with his grandfather, whom he calls Grosspa. That night, they have a dinner party, and Grosspa presents Richard with a watch and chain to remember him by. Richard’s mother protests, but Grosspa says it is better to give Richard his gift earlier than later. Near the end of dinner, Grosspa is led out of the dining room, and an aunt tells Richard he is not doing well.  The next day, Richard visits docks where Grosspa’s ship is docked, alongside his mother and father. His father tells him that Grosspa is still not feeling well, and Richard thinks to himself that his father sounds like a stranger. Upon seeing his grandfather in his room, Richard realizes he looks very small and weak. Grosspa asks Richard if he will come to see him in Germany, and Richard promises to. He then leaves with his father, leaving his mother alone with Grosspa. Richard’s mother returns to them, crying and relying on her husband for support. Richard comments that the snowflakes in the air look black, and his mother chastises him for never seeing things as they are.  After buying gifts for Richard’s friends, he and his family return home. At dinner, his parents reveal that his grandfather has died, and Richard asks if he can leave the table, shocking his parents at his lack of emotion. The next week, however, Richard receives news that Ted, the iceman’s horse, has died in an accident. Richard runs to the street where Ted is and sees that Ted did not get to return home to die, as his grandfather did. Richard goes home and begins to cry, both for Ted and for his grandfather. He tells his parents that the snowflakes really were black.