The narrator tells a story from Jean Louise’s childhood. In sixth grade, Jean Louise’s school sees an influx of students from another school that burned down. As a result, Jean Louise mixes with older students. After she helps a boy get a good grade, he kisses her with tongue. She is startled by the interaction but dismisses it as a mistake until she hears the older girls talking. They vaguely and incorrectly explain reproduction, causing Jean Louise to believe that she is now pregnant. She is horrified at the prospect of being shipped off to Mobile with the town’s other family disgraces and, worse, bringing shame to her family. She resolves to kill herself the day before the baby arrives. Months later, she starts the seventh grade.

One day after school, she climbs the water tower, planning to kill herself by jumping from it. Hank Clinton pulls her down, first believing that she was only recklessly playing in a poorly chosen location. When he understands the truth, he takes her to Calpurnia. Jean Louise tearfully explains her situation only for Calpurnia to explain the truth—that she is not and could not be pregnant from a French kiss. Afterward, while she is relieved that she is not pregnant, she is embarrassed that she was so badly mistaken and nearly killed herself over a misunderstanding.