Summary

In “Volunteers Are Shining Stars,” a 23-year-old woman named Frances recounts her experience looking after children at a homeless shelter called New Day House in Washington D.C. Frances lives with a roommate, but does not date or socialize with others. It is noted that she washes her hands with a pathological frequency. Frances works with a woman named Karen, and one day they are joined by a third volunteer, Alaina. Frances immediately dislikes Alaina, claiming her skin and hair appear dirty. On Alaina's first day, Frances takes her to the playroom with the children and encourages her to supervise a group playing with farm animal toys. Afterwards, Alaina offers to drive Frances and Karen home, and though Frances does not want to get in Alaina's car, she acquiesces. When they near Frances' apartment, it occurs to her that Alaina...