In this long, painful section, we see the truth about Berlin’s relationship with his parents. Although he likes to tell himself that he and his family get along wonderfully, he’s unsure of what to say to them. Clearly, their relationship is far from close and loving. It’s almost a relief to Berlin when the phone keeps ringing—not unlike the relief that the soldiers felt when one of their friends was blown up by a landmine. It’s better for Berlin to keep pretending that he loves his family than it is for him to confront the reality that he doesn’t, and that his family might not love him in return.