Summary

In the spring of 1945, eight months into his relationship with Odella, Francis learns that she has been married the whole time. Private Dennis Withers returns from Italy and Odella introduces him to Francis. Francis is surprised by Odella’s infidelity, having never so much as mentioned her husband’s name. She tells Francis that since Dennis had never written, and had been gone for over a year before Francis had come into her life and she couldn’t be blamed for moving on. Now without her Francis discovers that Detroit is a backbreaking and lonely city. He thinks about Viola and knows his infidelity has to end.

When Ethel Joggets decides she wants biscuits for breakfast, Viola goes to the pantry to find flour. This was one recipe she knew without...