Jack feels in an ugly middle position since both his wife and his daughter are in of his presence and help, but he is unable to choose between the two. Clare is six months pregnant. She’s painting the furniture alone and expects Jack to help her. She also says “That was a long story” when Jack comes downstairs. Her comment makes Jack feel guilty because he couldn’t come to help his wife on time. On the other hand, all his efforts to make Jo fall asleep has gone into vain. Moreover, he couldn’t make Jo understand Mommy Skunk was indeed doing what was the best for little Roger. Everything that Jack wanted to do was left undone. All these things made him feel in an ugly middle position.