Once in America, he finds himself romantically involved with his friend's cousin, whose family they are living with. His sense of self has him move out so that he can make it on his own.
When the Nazis arrive in Austria in 1938, the young man becomes his family's savior, but saving his family does not rise him in the eyes of his father as the oldest son becomes more financially successful in their new country even though he arrived after his younger brother, and with his assistance.