Taking Sides

Lincoln wakes on Sunday morning to an argument with his mother. She is upset with how late he came in last night. Lincoln responds in a way she finds disrespectful. As she leaves the room, she yells, “Who do you think you are?” (65). This prompts Lincoln to ponder why “people keep asking [him] that” as he goes back to bed (65). Waking at 12:15 pm, Lincoln walks outside to find James, who invites him into his house. He meets the Kaehlers just after they have finished a buffet-style lunch, which they invite him to enjoy, and he does. Mrs. Kaehler is warm and kind, and Mr. Kaehler talks to Lincoln about basketball. Lincoln feels comfortable and appreciates how the family eat snacks together and watch the 49ers play. Lincoln and James discuss Coach Yesutis while playing Nintendo. James believes Yesutis is making the team strong, while Lincoln says he doesn’t believe Yesutis always knows what he’s doing and shouldn’t treat the team the way he does.

Later on Sunday, Lincoln walks to Cornell Elementary for his basketball date with Monica. As he considers what to say to her, she asks, “Did you go to church today?” (77).