Summary

Chapter 4 begins in the narrative present with Jelly arriving at Michael's home. He has nowhere to go, and Michael's mother suggests he put a mattress on the floor, but Michael does not think it is a good idea. Jelly buys some groceries and cooks a meal for Aisha, Michael, and his mother, but Michael leaves to go to work before the food is ready. At work, Manny already knows that Jelly is at Michael's house, and he gives him a hard time about it.

After work, Michael walks around aimlessly before going home. When he arrives, he sees a police car, and then notices that his house is full of strangers. People are eating and listening to records, and a police officer had come because of a noise complaint. Michael is triggered from interacting with the officer, and looks anxiously for his mother. When...