Hush

On Tuesday, Evie attends her first track session, coached by a teacher named Leigh who also teaches Anna geometry. Evie lied to Shirley about being tutored in science, as the latter does not approve of sports anymore; she only cares about academics and the Bible. Coach Leigh leads Evie into the gym, where other girls are already training. Evie needs running shorts and spikes (special shoes for running on tracks), but Coach Leigh assures her that he will take care of the matter when she claims her parents are unable to afford them.

Evie is introduced to the other girls, and Coach Leigh has them run half a mile to warm up. One of the other girls, Mira, comments on Evie’s long legs, certain that she will be a good runner: “It is the friendliest thing anyone has said to [her] in a long time” (129). When Evie returns home, Anna wonders why she smells. Jonathon asks if Evie’s “study group” was helpful, and she affirms it was; she will continue to attend sessions thrice a week.