Summary

Section VIII begins with Lydia’s funeral. She died shortly after falling down the stairs. Ailey is quite distraught over her sister’s death and lies about going to the clinic each day. She is instead going to Lydia’s apartment and spending time there aimlessly. At dinner one night, Ailey and Coco get into an argument. Coco is upset at Ailey’s self-pity and tells Ailey that she is the only person working in the family since their father’s death. She also reveals that she was molested by Gandee as well but has not let that derail her life. Ailey later contemplates suicide, but has a dream wherein she sees Lydia, who dissuades her from suicide. Ailey decides to move in with Uncle Root, which greatly upsets her mother. Ailey tells Coco, before leaving, “I feel like my...