Summary

When Patricia is in third grade, a teacher named Miss Troup takes her under her wing. Miss Troup helps Patricia with remedial reading, buys her some clean clothes, gives her proper toiletries, does her hair, and shows her how to take care of her personal hygiene. Miss Troup tells Patricia: "I want you to know I believe in you" (35). She encourages Patricia and tells her that she can be anything and do anything in life, as long as she dreams. She is the first person to talk to Patricia in this way and Patricia promises Miss Troup that she will dream.

Mama is still deeply struggling financially when a neighbor named Mr. John starts to bring them groceries, along with alcohol and weed for Mama. He visits with Mama, putting her in a better mood and making her less prone to outbursts of...