The day before his first day of sixth grade at Jung Middle School, Rick Ramsey sits in his room, spinning quarters. Quarter spinning is his hobby; he can average between five to seven at a time. He is called downstairs to say goodbye to his older sister, Diane, who is leaving for college. After she is gone, Rick is the only child left in the house. Later, he goes to Jeff’s house. Jeff is Rick’s best friend. Rick knows that Jeff’s home life isn’t great and that Jeff doesn’t always treat others very well, but he plays video games with Rick and is considerate of him. That day, they play a bar-fighting game and a virtual civilization game. Jeff’s mom makes him promise to stay out of trouble at school. Rick is grateful that Jeff will be at Jung because Jeff is good at socializing.

When Rick gets to school the next day, Jeff is waiting for him and checking out girls. He finds one especially attractive. Rick’s parents have made similar comments to him about finding people attractive, but he doesn’t understand the appeal of any gender. In homeroom, Rick sits behind the girl Jeff was ogling.