Story 2: The Heart Is Deceitful above All Things; Story 3: Toyboxed Summary

In Story 2, Jeremiah narrates more of his story as his mother moves from one man to another. He notices that the men who beat her with their fists and him with their belts last longer than the ones who give him candy. His mother teaches Jeremiah how to shoplift food and beer, and if he is discovered, she spanks him hard and tells everyone that he has a big problem. If he is successful, she laughs and stays in a good mood. If not, she stays angry at him for days and says nothing.

Sarah marries a man, goes on their honeymoon to Atlantic City, and leaves Jeremiah to fend for himself. Days later when he is nearly out of food and still locked in...