How Long 'Til Black Future Month?

Adele begins each day the same way: praying “to the Christian god” and the “orishas of her African ancestors,” then bathing in herbs, and layering herself in lucky talismans (362). Ever since a neighbor pointed out to her that somehow New York City’s luck drastically changed, she has been doing everything she can to capitalize on hers. No one knows why “only New York” has had this change in luck, but since the change, they have had to shut down the lottery because of “too many winners” (365).

Adele knows to avoid the “missionaries” from “out of town” who clog the New York streets, trying to help New Yorkers through what they are sure are the “End Times” (365). Still, she is stopped one day by a man with a flyer inviting her to “A Prayer for the Soul of the City” on August 8th (367). She can’t help but wonder if the massive prayer could make a difference. It makes her long for life before New York City got lucky.

At home, she tends to her blossoming garden and decides to head to the farmer’s market to trade what she has for some “fresh fruit” (368).