Summary

The story opens in front of the barbershop where the main character is standing in the doorway ogling passing women. The main character's name is Mickey, but the narration consistently refers to him as "the barber." He owns the barbershop and is middle-aged. He imagines himself on a romantic vacation in Mexico with one of the women. However, his fantasy is interrupted by recollections of the reality of hid life. He lives with his mother, who would become furious if she heard him engaging in sexual activities inside their house. The barber is tired of living with his mother and having no love life. However, he does think his mother is “actually pretty good company when she stayed on her meds” (140). The next morning, Ma demands that he make an omelet for her, and she is dissatisfied with the omelet...