Summary

Hally, a 17-year-old white boy and the son of the café’s owner, comes in from the rain and applauds Sam’s dancing. When he asks where his mother is, Sam tells him she is at the hospital, and it sounds like his father is being released. Hally is shocked. When Sam goes into the kitchen to get him some soup, he questions Willie and insists that his father is to stay in the hospital at least another three weeks.

Hally asks about the dance competition, and Sam teases that Hilda has leg problems – she is like a race horse that gallops. Hally becomes angry when Willie throws a rag at Sam but hits him instead. Hally quickly recovers and asks Sam exactly what his mother said, insisting that his father is not being discharged. Hally calls his home. When no one answers...