Summary

In Chapter 1, Rufus meets with Mr. Rubio. Mr. Rubio tries to get Rufus to open up but Rufus refuses. Mr. Rubio asks about Rufus’ father whom Rufus has never seen. Mr. Rubio mentions Rufus does not get many letters from his mom and Rufus says he doesn’t let it bother him.

Rufus learns Baby Gibson told Mr. Rubio about his Ernie Brown scrapbook, and Rufus is not happy. Then Mr. Rubio tells Rufus he is going to be sent home to his mother, who has moved to the Durango Housing Project. Rufus does not admit to Mr. Rubio he is scared about living in Durango.

In Chapter 2, Rufus takes the bus home, but contemplates running away to Africa where an American Negro with a little education could take over the place. Instead he meets Mr. Travers, his parole officer, at the station. Mr. Travers...