 Why was Socks a part of this story?
All of her friends were here, friends she had known since her earliest baby days. Or would it be something different, something like the dreary side-street world of failure and defeat that she had also seen in movies? Seeing the image of herself hungry and tired, going from office to office looking for a part in a play, Peggy suddenly laughed aloud and brought herself back to reality, to the warm barn smell and the big, soft-eyed gaze of Socks. 9 II Dramatic Decision Upstairs at the Wilsons’, Peggy found Jean swathed in bath towels, washing her long, straight red hair, which was now white with lather and piled up in a high, soapy knot.
 Technically Socks helped Peggy pass the time, but Socks also gives us more of an idea of what Peggy's life at home is like and how wonderful it is.
 Technically Socks helped Peggy pass the time, but Socks also gives us more of an idea of what Peggy's life at home is like and how wonderful it is.  Peggy talks to Socks about all her major life decisions.  Peggy might reconsider staying home because of how much she loves Socks.  She only helped Peggy pass time while her parents made a decision.