Summary

This chapter begins in 2004 when Ward has just finished the first year of her graduate program in Michigan. Her cousin Aldon flies to Michigan to drive with her back to Mississippi. She and Aldon grew up together and are as close as siblings. In the past, Ward was always excited to go home because she was homesick, but since her brother’s death in 2000, she now feels a sense of dread at going home.

Ward always goes home during her breaks from school. While there, she lives in her mother’s house. Now that Joshua has died, his room is being used by Ward’s nephew, De’Sean, who is Nerissa’s son. She gave birth to De’Sean when she was 13 and does not live with him. Charine still lives at home.

When Ward arrives at the house, she quietly...