Summary

In "$0.38," while filling the tank, Henry feels a "buzz of delight" (222). He watches the cashier come outside for a smoke, and follows her to the dumpsters. They smoke and talk awkwardly. Suddenly, Michelle's "ghost takes flesh" before Henry (223). He realizes how much he misses her. It has been "almost eight months" since he last saw her (224). He realizes that he chose the coward's way out. He "had wanted to be free of her" (224). He also understands that he “failed Papa, then Al, later her" (224). He fears this means he will fail Junior, too. He reaches out for Michelle, but it is really the cashier he is about to touch. She moves away. Henry apologizes, realizing he is late to pick up Junior.

He finds Junior with "the school nurse" (226). Junior has a fever. The principal and nurse refuse to give him any medicine because...