Summary

In Chapter 5, Vivian mentions Hugh. Danny has already forgotten him but Grady – more like Bethie – is always “on the alert for things to worry about” (46). Vivian says Hugh lives in Texas but visits his mother often in Oklahoma City. Vivian takes the boys for ice cream and talks more about Hugh. She says Bethie deserves to be happy, then brushes aside Danny's question about Bethie's lack of happiness. Vivian shows Grady and Danny a photo of Bethie and Burt, both dressed in uniform. She points out Bethie's obvious happiness. At home, they interrupt an argument between Frank and Big Dan over Jerome, with Frank saying Big Dan would not tolerate Jerome's behavior if he was white. Big Dan ends the conversation because of the boys' presence. Vivian takes the boys home where Bethie bathes them, reads them a story, and puts them to...