Summary

This chapter takes place shortly after Chapter 3. The narrator first explains that due to the fact that Eddie was conceived out of wedlock, that Nat and Darlene often lied about the time of his conception. The narrator continues that before the general store opened, many people would come to the couple’s house to watch sports on the television. However, after the store opened, many people visited and signed clipboards. Later, before Eddie turned six, Nat disappeared. Eventually the police showed up to tell Darlene that she had to identify a body. Soon, a funeral took place and Eddie asked his aunt why they did not invite his father.

After this, Darlene’s mental state declined. Eddie would find her hunched over with bloodshot eyes talking to a photograph of Nat. Eventually the two moved to Houston, and Darlene explained...