Nine-year-old Quan deciding to run away from home, covered in his own tears and struggling to cope with the realities of his home life. Quan deals with unhealthy adult dynamics in his life, or what he calls “grown-people problems he can’t fix” (16). His father is the most stable adult in his life, and even he makes his living by selling drugs, which later results in a traumatic, violent arrest that Quan is forced to witness. Quan’s mother is in an abusive relationship that leaves her covered in “bluey-purple blotches” that make her look like she has been hit with “water balloons full of paint” (17). Quan is also targeted during these outbursts, and he feels helpless to stop his mother’s boyfriend, Dwight.

From a young age, Quan has only seen two versions of what a man can be: a good person who takes the risk of partaking in illegal activities in order to provide for his family (Daddy), or a bad person who hurts those around him (Dwight). His mother is often portrayed as impatient, angry, and sometimes negligent of her children. Quan’s needs are not met in this environment because he does not always feel safe or provided for.