Part Two: Chapters 8 & 9 Summary

After hearing the news about her mother, Florence climbs under the bed and stays there, pretending to be dead. She stays there all morning and long into the afternoon, no matter what people say to call her out. Finally, Daddy arrives and rests his hand on Florence's shoulder. The act is so comforting, Florence starts weeping all over again. In one fluid motion, he pulls Florence from under the bed and into his arms, carrying her home. Over his shoulder, Florence sees Zenie staring at them, her eyes like cold daggers. All the neighbors have come out of their homes to watch Daddy carry Florence home, and when they get there, the tables are mounded over with food and cards from Mama's many concerned friends. Immediately, Florence dives into the potato salad. She doesn't even like potato salad, but...