Chapter 1 Summary

Jamal and his little sister, Sassy, wait for Mama to come home. It is already so late. Sassy asks Jamal if he is worried about Mama. He says "No," but she knows that he is worried because he will not leave his seat at the window. Sassy likes to harass Jamal and tattletale on him. It makes her feel bigger and more important. The evening wears away slowly, as Jamal watches the addicts and winos meander down the street. The TV is on in the background, but Jamal thinks the show is stupid. He plans to buy a VCR when he gets a job, so he can watch better shows.

Finally, around midnight, Mama returns home. She questions Jamal about whether they ate supper. Jamal assures her that they did. He notices how tired Mama looks. Her hair has more gray in it...