Summary

Chapter 16 predominantly recounts a conversation among the family about what to do about Daddy. One day as Uncle Ray drives Dixie home from school per usual, she comes home to find her entire extended family at her house. When the children walk in they can feel the tension, and she and AJ realize quickly that they have a serious situation to confront.

Mama informs the children that Daddy is not doing well and he needs help. AJ responds simply that with Daddy in a coma how can they help him? Mama, surprised that AJ knows the diagnosis, acknowledges its truth but insists they have to help him. Dixie starts to insist that she wants to see her father. She knows she sounds immature and brash but she feels so frustrated by the lack of information that she asserts her demand further. Mama tries...