Feathers

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism, ableism, and bullying.

When Frannie returns home, the apartment is warm and filled with the delicious smell of frying chicken. She’s relieved to see her mother cooking, which she takes as a sign that she’s feeling better. Remembering how hurt Sean looked when the girl dismissed him because of his deafness that morning, Frannie asks her mother what happens to memories. Mama answers, “I don’t think you remember it just as it happened—but you remember the feelings you had. Good ones. And bad ones too, unfortunately” (100). When Sean comes home, he still feels discouraged, but he tries to hide his sadness behind a big smile. He asks his mother how her doctor’s appointment went, and Mama says that the tests indicate that the baby is healthy. Frannie is irritated with her brother for asking the question because she wants to enjoy the present moment without worrying about what might happen in the future.

On Tuesday morning, the news reports another draft lottery, and Mama kisses Sean’s ears. When Frannie arrives at school, the Jesus Boy tells her about the guilt he feels for talking about Trevor’s father.