Sula and Nel have become fast friends despite their opposite upbringing. They like to walk to Edna Finch's Mellow House ice cream parlor past all the men and boys to see what they'll say and test their limits. They met in school, on the playground, and their opposite lives (appearance and personalities) gave them a sudden and intense relationship. Nel is light-skinned, strong and consistent. Sula is dark with unpredictable emotions.
Throughout their friendship, Sula emerges as the protector. A group of boys sons of Irish immigrants likes to pick on the black children and one day they choose to "rough" up Nel. She begins varying her route home and it soon becomes very elaborate. One day, Sula convinces her to take the short, direct route again. They approach the boys who get up and.....
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