Freddy's Post-Divorce Decline and Unique Living Situation

Key Insight

Following the divorce in 1970, Freddy's life spiraled into a cycle of 'rehab' returns and demotivating work at his father's Trump Management office, where his career prospects were nonexistent, especially with Donald’s rapid rise to company presidency at age twenty-four by 1970, earning a far higher salary and perks. Freddy initially lived in the attic of his parents' house, a space larger than his childhood 'Cell' bedroom, furnished with an army cot and a small TV. He returned there frequently after rehab stints, often joining his children and sister Liz to watch movies, while his father, Fred Sr., showed clear disinterest and even disdain for Freddy and his children.

Dad later found his first independent living space at thirty-two: a basement studio apartment in Sunnyside, Queens, equipped with thrift-store furniture, a makeshift kitchen, and fluorescent lighting. This apartment became home to a growing menagerie of pets, reflecting Freddy's love for animals. These included two garter snakes, a ball python named Peter, goldfish, mice (which served as food for the snakes), an iguana named Izzy, a tortoise named Tomato, an earth snake named Edith, a corn snake named Cornelius, and a boa constrictor named Baby Benjamin, given to the narrator for her sixth birthday.

This unique living situation, which felt like a 'sleepover' to his children, allowed Freddy to escape the pressures of his family and alcoholism. He found and rescued six ducklings, nurturing them in the apartment's boiler room with his children, despite landlord prohibitions. However, this period of independence and pet ownership abruptly ended when his mother arrived to collect belongings, informing the children that Freddy was 'sick' and would be living back at the House, leading to the immediate removal of all the pets and furniture. This sudden loss prompted the narrator's deep concern for the animals' welfare, fearing they would be released and perish, especially given the mother's phobia of snakes. Annamaria, a long-time friend, witnessed Freddy's rapid decline after the divorce, noting his weight loss, disheveled appearance, and increasing drinking, realizing his father's disdain and cruelty, rather than Donald's favoritism, was the main reason for his downfall.