The freedom that Richard has achieved by the age of twelve is unusual. It is a freedom of many facets. He no longer receives orders from Granny and Addie; they have given up on him. At the same time, this freedom from their criticism is also a freedom from their interest in him and is perhaps an example of how the lack of tenderness he sees between black people actually evolves. But, if Addie and Granny have no concern for Richard, he too is free of any concern for them. The unspoken pact between them means that they will no longer care about each other. And for one who is already an outsider, it is a relief not to be forced to show affection or demonstrate loyalty. This is, in itself, a form of freedom.
Since most children are rebellious and individualistic, it can be assumed that this form of freedom was achieved by many other black boys besides Richard. What slavery and its aftermath of fear had done was to make parents and grandparents protect those children they could repress and reject those they couldn't. To this extent, Richard was probably typical. He was sent out into the world to fend for himself without much support at home.
At twelve years old, Richard has had only one full year of school, but when he reenters school, he is advanced to the sixth grade. Granny's reaction is to see Richard as more peculiar than ever. Here we see him relating to the outside world on its own terms. He is a complete individual both intellectually curious and capable of waging physical warfare. His qualifications are fine for any gang, but his aspirations are destined to be squelched.
Richard's friends work on the weekends, but Granny forbids him to do so, which means he can't join his friends during lunch hour shopping sprees. Knowing that Granny won't let him out after he has gone home, he forfeits meals in order to explore his environment. He is learning what his priorities are now. By necessity, he is educating himself, and this involves extensive choices, choices that are usually imposed by others.
