Contents
Three
Overview
In the aftermath of Khalil’s killing, Starr reels with trauma while her parents shield her and insist on secrecy. At the family store, community reactions surface, including fundraising for Khalil’s burial. A tense confrontation with King exposes criminal pressure on Maverick and heightens danger around Seven, escalating stakes for the family.
Summary
Police leave Khalil’s body in the street as Starr, in shock, is taken to an ambulance and watched by a growing crowd. Her parents, Maverick and Lisa, arrive, take her home, and care for her through panic, vomiting, and nightmares. Starr recalls Natasha’s childhood murder, linking past and present violence.
At dawn, Lisa urges Starr not to be alone. In the kitchen, the family skirts around the trauma until Starr says Khalil had no gun. Fearing exposure, they agree to keep Starr’s presence at the shooting secret, not even telling Sekani. Starr struggles with how public cases like this unfold versus her current fear.
Maverick takes Starr to their grocery store, where routine customers filter in. Mr. Lewis criticizes Maverick and maligns Khalil as a dealer. Mrs. Rooks shares that Khalil’s grandmother may not afford the burial and plans a neighborhood collection; Maverick pledges help. Starr privately reflects on Chris and the divide between Garden Heights and Williamson.
Kenya visits, and she and Starr share grief over Khalil, recalling his bagging job and joking patter. They fetch food from Reuben’s, note the news’s brief, nameless report on the shooting, and return toward the store.
Outside, King pulls up, offering cash and asking Maverick to store a “package.” Maverick refuses and warns King not to touch Seven. King bristles, orders Kenya into the car, and drives off with a threat, underscoring mounting danger for Starr’s family amid the community’s shock and mourning.
Who Appears
- Starr CarterTraumatized witness to Khalil’s killing; cared for by family; fears exposure; grieves with Kenya; helps at the family store.
- Maverick 'Big Mav' CarterStarr’s father; protective, sets secrecy; runs the store; pledges funeral help; refuses King’s stash request; warns him about Seven.
- Lisa CarterStarr’s mother; comforts and monitors Starr; supports keeping Starr’s involvement private; anchors family routine.
- KenyaStarr’s friend; shares memories and grief over Khalil; later leaves with her father, King.
- SevenStarr’s brother; apologizes to Starr; worries about King; considers protecting his sisters; supports family’s secrecy plan.
- KingKenya’s father and gang leader; offers money, pressures Maverick to stash a package; threatens after being refused.
- Mr. LewisBarbershop owner; criticizes Maverick and insinuates Khalil was dealing; early voice of neighborhood chatter.
- Mrs. RooksCustomer organizing funds for Khalil’s burial; reminds Maverick of community ties and need.
- Mr. ReubenRestaurant owner; warmly serves Starr and Kenya; a stabilizing, generous community presence.
- Officer One-FifteenShooter of Khalil; seen distraught at the scene while colleagues console him.
- KhalilRecently killed; his absence and memory drive Starr’s trauma and community grief.