Flyin' West

Frank stands in the front yard in the chilly early morning without a coat. Sophie stares out at him, her gun by her side. Fannie and Miss Leah make tea for Minnie, who is bundled in a blanket. Minnie worries about Frank in the cold, but Sophie hopes that he freezes. Fannie chides Sophie for upsetting Minnie. Frank leaves the yard and exits. Miss Leah brings Minnie a cup of tea and tells her to drink it for the sake of the baby. Minnie launches into a defense of Frank, who is worried about losing his inheritance to brothers who despise him—or, as Sophie points out, brothers who “used to own him” (49). Sophie blames Frank for believing that the situation would be any different and for thinking that he has the right to hurt Minnie. Minnie insists that she loves him. Sophie replies, “That’s not love,” and Minnie retorts, “How would you know?” (50) Sophie takes her shotgun and exits to the porch.

Minnie describes how Frank used to be wonderful and how London was so freeing. However, Frank became increasingly angry, constantly articulating his hatred for Black people. Minnie was waiting and hoping for him to change back.