Summary

The High Dive – Narrator Marlee begins her story by describing a summertime incident in which she, 13 years old at the time, is mocked by longtime “friend” Sally and some other kids for being frightened of going off a high-diving board. She’s helped down by her sister Judy, who takes her to her favorite place (the zoo). Marlee comments in narration on how much she listens to the lions there roaring, and how she can always understand how they’re feeling.

Coffee, Tea or Soda – Marlee describes people she knows in terms of beverages: Sally, for example, is described as cough syrup (tastes bad, but good for you), while Marlee’s mother is described as black and “so strong she’s almost coffee.” Narration reveals that the next day is the first day of school, with several circumstances for the family changing: Marlee...