Summary

In this chapter, Ward becomes aware of her cousin C.J. when he is six and she is 12. His is a fair-skinned child with blonde hair and dark eyes. C.J. has great gymnastic abilities and often shows off his skills at family reunions and picnics.

Ward goes away for college when C.J. is 12 and does not see him for a long time. When she returns he is a grown man, short and wiry. Most of the young people in Ward’s neighborhood hang out in the park because many of the parents don’t want too many cars parked at their houses for fear it will attract police attention. Their county park is meager in comparison with the parks in the White neighborhoods.

Ward and C.J. sit on a bench watching other boys play basketball and she takes pictures...