The First State of Being

The next day (August 18, 1999), Gibby and Michael believe that Ridge is a time traveler. Michael demands information about Y2K, but Ridge, though empathetic, refuses. Ridge explains that he can only stay in 1999 for a short time and asks for a favor—a trip to the mall.

An informational insert explains that malls were an iconic gathering area for American teenagers and a feature of 1990s pop culture. Malls reached peak popularity in 1992, but declined in the 2000s. The last mall closed in 2052.

Gibby has a tense relationship with her family. Beejee has his own apartment in Fox Run. Gibby’s mother abandoned them, so Mr. Gibson and Beejee force the housework on Gibby because she is a girl. At Gibby’s apartment, she and Michael encounter Beejee, who reluctantly agrees to loan them clothes.

On their way, they meet Mr. Mosley, who is ill. Gibby gives Mr. Mosley her book to read. Mr. Mosley mentions that when he was young, his mother had regularly set aside a small amount of money for him.

Gibby and Michael find Ridge with Jamar Prince and his brothers. The Princes invite Michael to play basketball, but Michael becomes anxious and refuses.