Part 4, Chapter 40 Summary

Jamel now stays in the living room of the apartment. Elaine finds two different apartments to rent, but at the last minute, after she and Jamel pool their money together, the apartments are no longer available. It is discouraging, and a few days later Jamel gets into a brawl with some other boys in the street. Elaine learns later that he tried to break a fight up and one boy pulled out a gun. He is not hurt, but it reiterates to Elaine how desperately they need to move.

Part 4, Chapter 40 Analysis

Elaine is correct in her fear that if she does not get Jamel out of the neighborhood, something terrible will happen. He will end up back in prison or dead. Her fears escalate after the fight. She is desperate for a solution and will not give up.