The following version of this short story was used to create the guide: Sigers, Shanteka. "A Way with Bea." The Best Short Stories 2022: The O. Henry Prize Winners. Vintage Anchor Publishing, 2022.

Shanteka Sigers's short story "A Way with Bea" is written from the third person point of view and in the present tense. The short story defies conventional notions of the narrative plot line and occupies a fragmented narrative form. For the sake of clarity, the following summary relies upon a more linear mode of explanation.

The Teacher lives in Chicago with her unnamed husband. Although she grew up in a more rural environment, the Teacher moved to the city after marrying her husband. At times, urban life abrades the Teacher's sensibilities and makes her silently regret having married a city man.

The Teacher teaches science at a local public school. Although some days are better than others, the Teacher often bases her success in the classroom on her one student, Bea. If Bea comes to class with unkempt hair, an unwashed face, or ill-fitting clothing, the Teacher despairs. If Bea is on time, prepared, and attentive, the Teacher feels proud and successful.

The Teacher knows that Bea has a difficult home life. She has a brother named Aldous. However, her father is absent and her mother is an alcoholic and drug addict. The Teacher often attributes Bea's tardiness, absence, or distraction to her dysfunctional family situation. Sometimes she imagines herself helping Bea fix her hair, and gradually resolving all of her life’s problems. However, she forces herself to dismiss these fantasies.

In the evenings, the Teacher takes the train from the school back to her condo. She often wishes that she would catch her husband cheating on her on their patio. Because he has never been unfaithful to her before, she is unsure why she feels this way. Her husband's behaviors, however, do often annoy her. He is particularly attached to his elderly, ailing cat. Sometimes the Teacher wishes the cat would die.

Over the course of the following weeks, the Teacher becomes increasingly discouraged. Bea's attendance and attention have been spotty at best. While all of the Teacher's colleagues perceive Bea to be a disturbed troublemaker, the Teacher is sympathetic to Bea’s experience. She has not had the same upbringing, but often imagines herself in Bea’s life. Over time, the Teacher comes to fancy herself as the only person who sees, understands, and can reach Bea.

When the teachers and administrators accuse Bea of chopping up a bird with scissors, the Teacher comes to her defense. She insists that Bea has done nothing wrong. In the classroom shortly thereafter, the Teacher gets frustrated with Bea for breaking their unspoken pact. She sends her to the Principal's office for chewing her gum too loudly.

Five days later, Bea's appearance and behavior begin to change. She starts coming to class on time and prepared. Her hair is done and her clothes are washed. Although the Teacher is glad someone is caring for her, she resents the anonymous caretaker and silently accuses them of being classless.

While the Teacher's husband is away on business, the Teacher invites Bea over to her home to collect a book. She prepares the condo for Bea's arrival. She hopes that the visit will grant her a more significant role in Bea's life.