Chapter 6 Summary

James and Octavia arrive in the tiny town of Bayonne. James remembers going to Baton Rouge once with his Mamma, Daddy, and Ty, but recalls that that incident was before his father went into the Army. He begins to think about his Dad, wondering if they'll ever see him again. His thoughts quickly shift to the deteriorating condition of the sidewalks in Bayonne.

The weather is very cold with an extreme wind, and James' nose begins to run. His mother reminds him to use the handkerchief, which he does. They walk past a school, where white children are playing. As they pass a cafy, James wants to look in, longing to be in there, because he's cold and hungry, but Octavia tells him he must keep his eyes "where they belong."

James and his mother walk and walk, going past stores, cafes, the...