In the story, the mother is working long hours at the diner, often double shifts, to support the family financially. This shows her sacrifice and dedication to providing for her children despite the challenges she faces.

Meanwhile, Bear is mostly lazy, spending almost all his time lounging on the couch. He only leaves his comfort zone to use the bathroom or to collect his unemployment check, highlighting a lack of motivation or responsibility. Now Mom was working double shifts at the diner all the time just to make enough money, and Bear was spending 99 percent of his time on our couch, except maybe to go to the bathroom or to collect his stupid unemployment check.