The scene opens on three middle-schoolers walking down the sidewalk on their way home after school. Callie, the main character, walks beside her friend Matt, who is a bit taller than her and wears glasses. Callie wears a long green coat, a green beanie, and green earmuffs. Her long hair is dyed two different shades of purple. Greg, Matt’s older brother, is taller than the other two children and walks beside Matt.

Matt wonders aloud if Mr. Madera will allow him to operate the spotlight during this year’s school play. After he bungled his spotlight operation during last year’s production, he feels skeptical that he will be entrusted with the duty once more.

Suddenly, Greg, wearing an upset expression, asks Callie, “You’re a girl, right?” (5). “Last time I checked, yes,” Callie sarcastically replies (5). Greg then tells Callie that he’d like to ask her something, and tells Matt that he’d like to speak with Callie alone. Matt, indignant, leaves. He grouses about having to walk home alone while doing so.

Greg and Callie head toward the park while Callie fluffs her hair and surreptitiously checks the smell of her breath.