Summary

In "A Family" Curtis Smith follows his deceased best friend Marvin's wife Lena and their 15-year-old son Andre around Brooklyn. In the story's opening scene, Curtis eats at a diner across from the movie theatre where the two are seeing a film. After the movie, Curtis trails mother and son to the park and listens to their conversation. Curtis imagines the lessons he would teach Andre if he were close with him, most importantly that of obedience. Though Curtis has spent 12 years in prison, he believes it is sometimes important to disobey, which is why he is still following Lena even after his mother told him not to. Recently released, Curtis lives with his mother, cannot find consistent work, and is obsessed with watching his friend's family, hoping he will be able to be a part of Andre's life. One night he follows...