The story’s first sentence, a description of the family car shows the reader that — a.
the characters are not good with money
b.
the family in the story is very conscious of material status
c.
Charles is ungrateful for the good things his parents have given him
d.
Charles’s parents have neglected routine repairs and maintenance

b). the family in the story is very conscious of material status.

Explanation:

The very beginning sentence of the story providing an explanation of the family car reflects the family's love and sensitivity towards their material status. The description of the car clearly reveals the family's materialistic nature and gives the readers an idea that the characters are highly inclined towards maintaining their shallow consumerist nature. This gives an idea that they are least likely to provide any importance to the emotions of generosity. Hence, option b is the correct answer.

id say it means hes fearful and/or cautious

have a good day

post the passage. we don’t know what you’re talking about