Contents
Seven
Overview
On the eve of Khalil’s funeral, Starr’s grief and identity conflicts boil over at school. A racist joke from Hailey triggers a confrontation, and Starr denies knowing Khalil to protect herself. She leaves campus, opens up to Uncle Carlos about the shooting—including the officer aiming at her—and wrestles with attending the funeral and her relationship with Chris.
Summary
With Khalil’s funeral set for Friday, Starr struggles through gym class while news coverage labels Khalil a “suspected drug dealer.” She feels conflicted about dating Chris after flashing back to the shooting and acutely aware of race at her mostly white school.
During a casual three-on-three game, Hailey shouts a fried-chicken taunt at Starr. Shocked and hurt, Starr leaves the court in tears. In the locker room, Hailey insists it was harmless “game talk,” but Starr calls it racist. When Hailey and Maya carefully ask if the killed “drug dealer” Khalil was Starr’s childhood friend, Starr, fearing judgment, denies knowing him and then breaks down.
Coach Meyers urges Starr to see the school counselor, but Starr signs out instead. She calls Uncle Carlos, who picks her up and takes her for frozen yogurt. On the phone, Lisa scolds the ruse but allows Starr to go home, telling her to stay inside.
Over fro-yo, Starr admits she’s unsure about attending Khalil’s funeral. She presses Uncle Carlos about his connection to the officer and why there’s been no arrest. When she reveals the officer kept his gun trained on her until backup arrived, Uncle Carlos is shaken, comforts her, and apologizes, though he says it can’t undo what happened. Starr remains torn about the funeral and her relationship with Chris.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterStruggles with grief, identity, and race at school; confronts Hailey’s racist comment; denies knowing Khalil; confides in Uncle Carlos about the gun being aimed at her.
- Hailey GrantMakes a fried-chicken remark during a game; denies racism; questions Starr about Khalil, straining their friendship.
- Maya YangSupports Starr yet participates in asking about Khalil; tries to mediate tension between Starr and Hailey.
- Chris BryantAttempts to reconnect during the game; Starr feels conflicted about dating him because he’s white.
- Uncle CarlosPicks Starr up, takes her for fro-yo; discusses the case; comforts her after she reveals the officer aimed at her.
- Coach MeyersNotices Starr’s distress and directs her to the school counselor.
- Lisa CarterOn the phone, challenges Starr’s excuse and instructs her to go home and stay safe.
- Jackson ReynoldsPlays in the gym basketball game; interaction helps set the scene leading to the conflict.
- GarrettDefends Starr and plays in the game; minor participant in the scene.
- RyanMaya’s boyfriend; part of the gym crowd and dance scene.