Lorrie, short for Lawrence, is a gay Black high schooler living in the Bronx, around the time of the AIDS crisis. In hopes of leading her son towards success, Lorrie's mother makes Lorrie learn new vocabulary words every day. Lorrie loves his family and young children, and he wants some of his own someday. He braids his sister's hair before leaving for school.  On the bus and at school, Lorrie is bullied for his homosexuality. Even the teachers make unacceptable comments towards him. In the past, Lorrie dropped out of school for six months, as he was influenced by his love interest, Rakeem, to do so. When Lorrie told Rakeem he wanted to return to school and further his education, Rakeem gave Lorrie an ultimatum, saying that they were in two different worlds, and returning to school would force Lorrie into that other world.  Now, after his tough day at school, Lorrie is excited to show his mom that he has mastered the vocabulary words for the day. Lorrie's mother tells Lorrie to help set dinner first. Lorrie says he will, but he must first go talk to Rakeem. He hopes Rakeem will give him and his vocabulary words a chance.