- We begin with a lyrical description of Janie's feelings of belonging and transcendent sharing with the twins, which she obtains despite their private vocabulary of squeaks.
- The book contrasts those positive feelings of hers with the hateful and angry vibes of her parents.
- Janie and the twins' playtime is described as an immortal, binding, unique experience. Yeah, we wish we could go back to childhood playtime too.
- Wima returns home with one of her lovers. The mother says of Janie, "she's got the place filled with n*****s." Recall that this novel was written in 1953, when schools were still segregated by skin color.
- Janie leads the twins home, but then comes back and walks to her bedroom, keeping her chin up while passing her mother.
- Wima is stunned. She says Janie gives her the creeps, and the lover is startled by it all.