In "The Used-Boy Raisers," Faith navigates a complex morning routine, balancing breakfast for her current husband and her former spouse. Their interactions reveal a unique dynamic where the two men appear more like siblings than rivals, with Faith standing somewhat apart from the trio. As the morning unfolds, the characters grapple with themes of identity, faith, and familial obligations.

Morning Rituals

Faith starts the day by preparing breakfast for both her husband and her ex-husband, who has recently returned from a British colony in Africa. He spent the night on an aluminum cot in the living room. Over breakfast, it becomes apparent how similar the two men are, to the point where Faith assigns them twin-like monikers. She silently refers to one as "Livid" and the other as "Pallid," names reflecting their distinct reactions to the eggs she cooks. Despite their different responses—one is visibly angry, the other simply pale—they share a mutual disappointment in the meal and a common desire for alcohol. However, Faith doesn't keep liquor in the house, opting instead for her "God Bless Our Home" embroidery to act as a symbolic shield. The men's dissatisfaction with their breakfast sets off a chain of mild bickering that persists throughout the meal.

A Shared Disinterest

Interestingly, the two men exhibit no rivalry or jealousy. They seem so congenial that Faith finds herself feeling like the odd one out. Livid has nonchalantly surrendered parental responsibilities, treating the children like old possessions he's tired of maintaining. Neither man truly steps up to care for the boys. As this shallow relationship is sketched out, the conversation shifts uneasily to Clifford, another former lover of Faith's who is about to marry. Livid and Pallid seem more focused on Clifford's fiancée than on Faith herself, while her silence suggests unresolved feelings about her past with Clifford.

Children and Concerns

The children's arrival injects a sense of delight into breakfast. Richard and Tonto are thrilled to see their father and enjoy a morning meal. Concerned about their upbringing, Livid becomes agitated when Pallid broaches the topic of Catholic parochial schooling. Both men, who have distanced themselves from their Catholic roots, spiral into a discussion about religion and politics. Faith surprises them by voicing her views against Zionism and expressing her identity as a Diaspora Jew. Her perspective is that Judaism for her is a moral and spiritual identity, not bound by nationalist aspirations. This revelation stuns the men, accustomed as they are to her usually quiet demeanor. "I only lives out my destiny," she muses privately, "which is to be laughingly the servant of man." This phrase hints at a blend of humor and subtle mockery, a thought she keeps to herself. As her husbands critique her for marrying outside the faith, Faith confidently asserts that her Jewish identity persists through time rather than occupying space. The men, taken aback, gradually ease into the comfort of her kitchen, and Faith offers a conciliatory gesture, apologizing for the eggs and nudging them toward their work obligations.

Planning the Day Ahead

With the men preparing to leave, Faith joyfully anticipates a day without them. Her plans include household chores, playtime at the park with her children, and a special dinner treat—a rib roast with onions, dumplings, and pink applesauce, a welcome change after a week of simpler fare. She instructs her sons to hug their father, with Richard running to Livid and Tonto to Pallid. Both men bid Faith goodbye with a kiss, though Pallid's is notably more sensual. As she sends these two boyish figures into the world outside, Faith wishes them well but remains primarily invested in her home life and children, seeking her fulfillment there rather than in the concerns of her husbands.