Summary: In the Introduction, Jeannette is in a taxi going to a party, when she looks out the window and sees her homeless mom going through a Dumpster. She ducks down and tells the driver to take her home. When she gets to her apartment she calls her mom's friend and leaves a message. It's their only system of staying in touch. When her mom gets back to her a couple days later, they decide to go to a restaurant. They meet at the restaurant and talk.

Main Characters: Jeannette (the narrator), Rose (the mother).

Character Development: Jeannette is embaressed by her parents, but wishes she could help them.

Setting: This part of the story takes place present day in New York City. It's March and cold.

Favourite quote: " "Tell me what it is you need." She thought for a moment. "I could use an electrolysis treatment." "This quote is important to the chapter because it shows that her mom doesn't really want anything important. Her mom wants to be homeless.

Vocabulary words: Invariably - not changing or capable of being changed.