Part 1 Summary

It is raining and has been for quite some time. As Sue looks out her window into the dark, miserable night, her thoughts turn to Johnny-Boy, who has been out in this weather all day. She briefly wonders why he didn't send someone else out in the rain, before reminding herself that he doesn't trust very many people.

Sue then turns her attention to the pile of clothing in the zinc washtub that needs to be ironed. She irons in silence for quite some time, but when a gust of wind causes the rain to pelt her window, she again wishes for Johnny-Boy to come home. The cold and rain also make her long for her other son, Sug and she imagines how wonderful it would be if the three of them could once again spend an evening together; however, since Sug is...