 How did Ralphie feel about his father's return?
He wanted a meal at his own table, a kiss from his wife, a word from his son, and later to see some old friends and a relative or two. Ralphie stood in his arms as if his feet were still planted on the floor, and he didn't look at his father but somewhere beyond him. So he put him down and told himself that it would all change, that everything would loosen up just as his commanding officer, General Carlisle, had said it would early this morning before he left Washington. Carlisle had said his position was analogous to Columbus', to Vasco De Gama's, to Preshoff's when the Russian returned from the Moon—but more so.
 He was nervous about the changes but tried to adapt to the new situation.
 He was thankful to have someone to spend time with other than his friends.  He was relieved to have his father back home.  He was nervous about the changes but tried to adapt to the new situation.  He was scared of the man his father had become and tried to avoid him at all costs.