How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Although Brother Jacobs was gone and Abby's speaking voice had returned, the Jackson world was not secure. The money saved from their cotton field labor was all used up, and the Better Way Barbershop income was no longer forthcoming. A family could ordinarily glean a living without handouts from the county, but these were not ordinary times for the Jackson household.
Abby's teacher, Miss Pat, sympathetically called the county after several months had passed and Strong had not returned to support his family. (14.1-2)
Sometimes family holds you up, but sometimes—as happens when Strong leaves Patience and Abyssinia—they hold you down. Down both an income source and an income earner, Patience and Abby are running out of money. For more on how this whole visit-from-the-county works out, though, check out "Race" elsewhere in this section.
Quote #5
"You can do it!" she heard from afar. "That's my Abby. That's my baby!"
Was she saved from everlasting hell? Was she to be reborn? Her father's hands were a warm bandage. Her father's voice was a healing balm. (18.32-33)
Guess who's back? Strong is—and just in time, too, since Trembling Sally just did her very best to drown Abyssinia in the Chickaskin River. Now that's good timing, we'd say.
Quote #6
Often Abby found Strong and Patience seated side by side, gazing into the magic of the fire, and something inside her began to mend into a seamless scar. She wanted the healing to be so complete that soon no one could tell where the cut had been made on her soul. The skin of the scar would fade into a thing line; she would be bound with hope, faith, and renewed wonder. (18.38)
Sometimes family breaks you, but sometimes they build you back up, too. Here, shortly after Strong's long-awaited return, Abby senses a chance to heal more fully now that her family is back together under one roof.