"A Sudden Trip Home in the Spring" captures a transformative period in Sarah Davis's life, a well-regarded college student at a prestigious women's college in New York. Though thriving in her academic environment, Sarah grapples with internal and external challenges that shape her personal journey. Her sudden return home to Georgia for her father’s funeral triggers deep introspection about her identity and responsibilities.

An Unsettling Balance

Sarah Davis stands out at her college, not only for her popularity but as one of the few black students in attendance. Her passion for art is undeniable, yet she faces an unsettling challenge—finding models for the black faces she envisions in her work. Specifically, the thought of illustrating black men fills her with dread, as she fears replicating an image of defeat on her blank canvas. While she is well-liked among her peers, a gap remains; they fail to grasp the nuances of her cultural background, leaving Sarah feeling patronized and misunderstood.

A Sudden Call to Return

News of her father’s passing comes abruptly, urging Sarah to make an unanticipated journey back to her roots in Georgia. This event forces Sarah to confront another layer of conflict: the duty she owes to her parents, even in their absence. As she prepares to leave, a conversation with her suitemate touches upon the struggles of black novelist Richard Wright with his father, mirroring her own turmoil.

Reflections in the Past

Returning home, Sarah finds her old bedroom transformed into a somber resting place for her father's body. Standing before the casket, she reexamines her feelings towards both her parents. Her mother, worn down by life's hardships, died in her sleep, and Sarah harbors resentment toward her father for their struggles. In this pivotal moment, she questions her beliefs about her father’s perceived weaknesses and her own path forward—wondering if her northern academic journey truly aligns with her responsibilities.

Family Ties and New Resolutions

While spending time with her family, Sarah's dedication to art and education becomes more apparent. She skillfully diverts her grandmother’s hopes of quickly becoming a great-grandmother, redirecting focus to her artistic aspirations. The strength of her grandfather, standing stoically at his son's graveside, stirs something within Sarah. She wonders why she has never considered his face worthy of her canvas. Her grandfather’s request to be memorialized "up in stone" plants a seed for new artistic goals.

Encouragement and Support

Conversations with her older brother further help resolve Sarah's internal conflict. He validates her artistic pursuits, reassuring her of their importance. He envisions her developing the skill to draw his likeness and eventually sculpt their grandfather’s—a task carrying significant meaning. His encouragement offers Sarah a clear path, suggesting she can always choose to return to the South or venture elsewhere empowered by her artistic growth.

A Renewed Perspective

Sarah returns to college with renewed determination, fortified by the support of her family. Her grandmother's trust in her to carry forward their legacy and her grandfather and brother’s belief in her dreams instill a newfound confidence. When a fellow student inquires about her recent trip home, she simply replies it was fine, holding within her a wealth of experiences and reflections that have redefined her outlook.