Summary

The protagonist reflected on “this thrumming thing” (1) that existed inside all black women. She described it as a feeling that builds over time and culminates in action that attempts to effect change in a racist world. After some time pondering this, the protagonist recalled her husband, Big V’s life. Because Big V got a promotion, their family had to move to a state far away, and Big V was “sprawled out” (3) arrogantly on the couch. The protagonist was cooking, and she noticed some stray cats wandering around outside when she looked out the window. Meanwhile, Big V was complaining about his work, and Baby Girl, the protagonist’s daughter, walked down the stairs and asked when they would be able to move back home.

The protagonist dropped her pan on the floor when her on, Little V, started crying, and after the...