During a pivotal era of school desegregation, "Neighbors" explores the challenges faced by an African American family that bravely chooses to enroll their young son in a predominantly white school. The narrative unfolds on the eve of Tommy Mitchell’s first day at this new school. The perspective provided by his older sister, Ellie, adds a unique layer, capturing her youthful concern and the weighty decisions her parents must confront.

Ellie's Journey Home

As the story begins, Ellie Mitchell is making her way back from work to her family's home. Each person and every scene she encounters evokes the looming threat that hangs over Tommy and their family. On the bus, when a sharply dressed man fixes his gaze on Ellie, she can't help but wonder if their family has been featured in the newspaper he is perusing. The gloomy weather and the unnaturally quiet main street, though typical, seem menacing given the situation.

The Unease Grows

Ellie’s apprehension is not solely a product of her imagination. A stranger driving a Chevrolet beckons her over, ominously vowing retaliation if Tommy comes to harm. A friend discreetly crosses their fingers in a gesture of solidarity, while an elderly man speculates about Tommy’s fate. Upon reaching home, Ellie is greeted by unfamiliar cars parked outside, a bolted door, a group of somber men in the living room, and a drawer brimming with menacing letters, each reinforcing the reality that Tommy is at the center of a serious and dangerous game.

Tommy's Anxiety and Family Decisions

Tommy himself is anxious, clutching his cherished book and repeatedly questioning if he will be safe. In her nervousness, Mrs. Mitchell requests that Ellie stand in for her in the group accompanying Tommy to school, to which Ellie consents. Yet, the night takes a dramatic turn when, after Tommy has gone to bed and the visitors have departed, the tranquility is shattered—their home is bombed. Thankfully, no one is injured, but the incident forces the parents to reevaluate their decision, ultimately choosing to keep Tommy from attending the white school.