Overview: Tom-Tom's failing in three classes and receives an automatic suspension from school. When he tries to see the dean, he's treated as just a number; number 1271 to be exact. He walks out, gaining his freedom from timetables and deadlines and returns to his hometown of Chicago. ""Cordella hasn't lost a son, Chicago has gained a number"". Arriving unannounced in Chicago, he finds the house empty. While alone, he gets the opportunity to relive how it would have been if he'd stayed in Chicago to join his father's business.