Here's a breakdown of the introduction:
* Setting: The story begins with Victor, a seventh grader, walking home from school on a hot day. The setting is immediately clear: a typical summer day in a small town.
* Main Character: Victor is introduced as a boy who is "nervous" and has "butterflies" in his stomach. He is also described as having a "weak chin" and "dark circles under his eyes," suggesting he's insecure and possibly lacks confidence.
* Conflict: The introduction hints at the main conflict of the story: Victor's crush on Teresa, a girl in his class. He "had wanted to talk to her, but he'd chickened out."
The introduction sets the stage for Victor's attempts to impress Teresa, highlighting his nervousness and the obstacles he faces in his pursuit of her. It also suggests a coming-of-age theme as Victor navigates the complexities of adolescence.