"Steady now you don't want to bend it nah." Mama softly said. The way she said it made my hand shake in fear. "Mama you sure this is right? I mean like dad did give you the instructions, right?" I complain. Since dad is at work, Mama and I are fixing my bicycle. "Mama can we wait till dad gets home? I don't want my bike to look worst than it is." "Honey you think a woman can't fix a bike." You can see the anger in her face. As I looked up I saw a white man looking at me and Mama. "You niggers." The white man said. I looked at mama in such a fear. "Just ignore the ignorance of those people honey. As long as I'm by your side, you don't have to worry about anyone harming you." Those words stuck in my head. I can feel the words wrapped around me and protecting me. " I love you Mama." Our love is strong that Earth's gravity.

It was getting dark and dad finally came home. He was really tired. "Dad are you able to fix my bicycle tomorrow?" Dad looked at me in such a disappointment. "Sorry Chey. Maybe another day. Your old man is really worn out. Plus I'm working over time tomorrow. Sorry." You can hear the frustration in his voice. Rather than asking anymore questions, I quietly walked away. "Good night dad." I whispered as I walked out. I walked into my baby sister room with Mama.

My little sister Carolin, is only three years old. Mama singing for her to sleep. Mama singing a song grandma sung to her. Mama rocking her back forth. Carolin slowly drifting to sleep. "Mama can I have a night snack before I sleep." I asked whispering. "Sorry Chey. We're very low on food right nah. We won't have snacks for another week." Mama softly whispered.

"Head to bed nah. You have school tomorrow."

"Ok Mama. Goodnight." I whispered. I walked over to Mama and gave her and Carolin a kiss. I walked out sad. No bike. No snack. Are we poor?