In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” Deborah Elizabeth Hazel Parker, also known as Squeaky, feels tension when Gretchen approaches because she perceives her to be an adversary.
Not only is Gretchen the new girl in town, she also has a reputation for being a good runner. When Gretchen moves to Harlem, a number of Squeaky’s so-called “friends” change their allegiance and become friends with Gretchen. This changes the dynamics of Squeaky’s social circle in a detrimental way. When she sees Gretchen and her group of friends walking toward her, Squeaky has to decide whether to confront them or slip into a storefront until they pass.
Squeaky, always up for a challenge, stands her ground. As the rest of the girls bicker, Gretchen silently scrutinizes Squeaky by placing her hands on her hips and walking around her with a fake smile on her face. This makes Squeaky more determined to prove she is the superior runner when she and Gretchen face off in the May Day race.
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