As Zora herself describes it, she'd often sit on top of the gatepost and watch the world go by. From her unique vantage point, Zora sees numerous carriages and cars pass by the house. As one of life's dreamers Zora fantasizes about a better life, and in the figures of the white travelers who pass by her front gate she sees a strange, exotic, potentially exciting world full of hope and promise.

Zora hails the travelers as they go past, asking them if they'll let her go part of the way with them. They always do, much to the horror of her grandmother, who's always worried that in this deeply racist society Zora might end up being lynched.

One day, a couple of white woman pay an unannounced visit to Zora's school. A number of children, including Zora, are required to read out in front of the class. Zora reads from the story of Pluto and Persephone, one of her favorite Greek myths. The two white ladies are very impressed by Zora's performance, so much so that they invite her to read to them again in their hotel room. As a parting gift, they give Zora what looks like a large cylinder tied up with a fancy ribbon. It's only when she returns home that she discovers what's inside it: a hundred gold new pennies.