Miracle's Boys

While Ty’ree cooks dinner, Lafayette naps and dreams of the river at Aunt Cecile’s home. In the dream, Charlie is there, fishing with Lafayette.

Over dinner, Ty’ree asks if Lafayette would like to go to a movie. Ty’ree wishes Lafayette would not refer to their brother as “Newcharlie,” but Lafayette insists that Charlie has changed. Ty’ree says that they have all changed since their mother’s death, pointing out that Lafayette was more social and outgoing. Lafayette continues to blame himself for their mother’s death, though Ty’ree insists that he couldn’t have saved her. Lafayette is certain, however, that, had Charlie been there, he could have saved her.

Ty’ree and Lafayette take the subway to the movie theater. While watching Ty’ree count change for Lafayette’s ticket, he recalls his mother becoming offended when Lafayette’s school suggested a summer camp for needy children. Lafayette worries about their circumstances, but Ty’ree insists they will not always be poor. Lafayette feels responsible for Ty’ree not being able to attend college as he had planned.

They talk about Charlie, but Lafayette becomes upset, recalling that Charlie destroyed all but two photographs of their mother in a rage. Ty’ree comforts him and suggests they get a hot drink instead of seeing a movie.