The
narrator refers to the changes in their own life by detailing some of the physical and emotional
changes that their young son, Laurie, experienced when he started school. Initially, the reader
does not know the speaker's gender. Within a few paragraphs, when the speaker refers to the boys
attitude toward his father, the implication is that the speaker is the boys mother.
The mother states that an era of her own life ended when Laurie went off to school.
She describes the different clothing that he wore, going from bib overalls to blue jeans with
full-length legs. She also allowed him to walk to school without her, but in the company of an
older girl from next door. The mother also emphasizes the boys temperament, calling him
sweet-voiced"; in contrast, that day, he did not even stop at the end of the block to
wave. By the time he comes back from school, his voice has become raucous, and he speaks
insolently." The changes are notable.
Overall, the first few
paragraphs make it clear that the woman is missing her sons youth; the reader could infer that
his growing up is making her feel older. She also mentions a baby sister, so her situation has
changed recently, with the addition of a second child.
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