 Eventually, Stelton and other social workers arrive with the news Willie's mother is dead, having drowned herself.They intend to take Willie to the children's home but Willie protests, wanting to stay with Tom (partially due to the fact he has nightmares about Stelton taking him away).Tom speaks with the head of the Home Office, Mr. Greenway, who is suspicious of Tom's motives, pointing out Tom will turn 70 years old when Willie is still a young teenager.