The 3 Baudelaire kids go to the beach on a gloomy day when they are unexpectedly informed that their parents have died. They have no choice but to move in to Mr. Poe's house, until they reach their next guardian.
he's horrible!
They reach their guardian's house and are extremely disappointed with the situation they have been put into. Count Olaf, the kids' new guardian, treats them unacceptably and wants to take advantage of their money.
Count Olaf's behaviour has become so harsh that he even strikes a child, Klaus, across the face. As any kids would, they felt that they were unsafe in that household and wanted desperately to leave.
The kids find their way to Mr. Poe and attempt to convince him that their new guardian isn't right for them. Violet mentions the abuse and misery the Count Olaf has caused for them. Mr Poe finds it hard to believe that they are being rational and says that they are over-reacting then sends back home.