Summer 1987, Chapter 6 Summary

Pharoah begs Lafeyette to take him to the railroad tracks to escape the heat and horrors of Horner Home. He keeps thinking of the momentary peace of mind he felt at the tracks when they were hunting for snakes. The summer violence has taken its toll on Pharoah. His once almost indiscernible stutter is becoming increasingly obvious. Sometimes the words tangle in his throat so badly he can't speak at all and must write down his thoughts. Embarrassed with inability to communicate, he mostly keeps to himself or hangs out with his cousin Porkchop. LaJoe worries about his vulnerability as he is easily startled by any loud noise and has fainted at the sounds of gunfire.

Earlier in the summer Lafeyette and James agree to take Pharoah to the tracks but are attacked in the breezeway by a gang of teenagers...