Sweet Teresa Pratt

The story begins with fourteen-year-old Sweet Teresa Pratt walking home from school. Teresa is nearly fifteen and is getting noticed by the boys on the corner. Some call out to Teresa, who they refer to as "Tree". Tree is embarrassed by the attention and clutches her books to hide her blossoming breasts. Tree is shy in the outside world, insecure and uncertain of her place. At home, Tree is in charge and has a great deal of responsibility. Tree takes care of her brother Dab as well as the house in general because her mother, M'Vy, comes home only one day a week.

Tree struggles with her duties, especially when it comes to caring for Dab. Tree treats Dab gingerly and often does not know what to do when he has a setback from his mental issues or disease. Tree has learned a lot from M'Vy...