Full Cicada Moon

In “Excuses,” Mimi is at Stacey’s house and has to relive the scarf incident all over again. Though Stacey’s mom thinks the girl didn’t mean anything by it, Stacey tells her that the salesgirl practically grabbed Mimi’s pocketbook and questions who could ever think that Mimi would shoplift. Mimi believes Stacey’s mother either can’t imagine anyone thinking that way about her or anyone she knows, or that her mother feels bad about how she acted before meeting Mama. Mimi finally understands the reason Stacey can’t let it go, and her mother makes excuses for the salesgirl—they are embarrassed that something like that could happen to someone this close. Mimi isn’t mad, sad, or embarrassed anymore. Instead, she hugs Stacey and her mom and forgives their confusion about everything. Just like her, they are learning how to take one small step.

In “The Exchange,” Stacey’s mom is driving Mimi home when they pass Cottle’s. Mimi wants to get the scarf for Mama and asks Stacey’s mom to stop at the store. Mimi goes in alone when the salesgirl rushes to Mimi, saying she thought she asked her to leave. Mimi says she wants to buy the scarf and some gift wrap.