One word that describes chapter 7 of Gary Schmidt's Okay for Now is optimistic, since the author creates a very optimistic mood throughout the chapter. Schmidt creates an optimistic mood by describing a positive side to every difficulty Doug faces, which helps him overcome his difficulties.
One example can be seen in Doug having to battle with the snow to make his deliveries. He puts on everything he owns and even a gray wool cap Mr. Loeffler has given him, but still struggles with being soaking wet and freezing cold as he makes his deliveries. However, one nice thing about his deliveries is that each customer offers him something warm to drink upon his arrival, which helps him survive his errands, as Doug humorously notes in the following:
I spent that winter with my head down against the wind, pulling the stupid toboggan, my hands up Joe Pepitone's sleeves, and always having to go to the bathroom because of the cold and the warm hot chocolate, milk, tea, coffee. (Ch. 7)
In addition, Doug can tell his brother, Lucas, is having a very difficult time. Lucas barely speaks, and anytime he does say something, he makes a snide remark about having lost his legs. At one point, Doug scolds his brother for not trying to get on with his life despite his war injuries. Doug even rips the bandage off of Lucas's eyes. To Lucas's surprise, he can see a little. After Doug chastises Lucas, though Lucas still makes snide remarks, he now says them with a smile, showing us that he is improving.
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