Summary
Highlights
Stella and Dr. Hawkins' son, Anthony, sit outside while their parents discuss serious matters in hushed tones. Stella feels annoyed, as she usually is when adults talk 'grown-up stuff,' but this time she feels it concerns them all. She's also a bit self-conscious being alone with Anthony in the dark.
Stella shares with Anthony that she and Jojo saw the Klan burning a cross earlier. Anthony then confides in Stella, revealing his secret: he sneaks out at night to run on the cinder track at the white school, envisioning himself as a champion runner like Eddie Tolan, the 'Midnight Express.'
Stella, inspired by Anthony's honesty, shares her own secret: she sneaks out at night to practice writing, despite not enjoying it in school. Anthony asks if she'll write about the Klan, and Stella expresses her fear, revealing that she thinks she knows who one of them is, and fears repercussions if anyone finds out.
Anthony explains that the Klan's actions make them feel 'uneven,' like living on a sinking boat. He believes they want to make them scared to feel strong. Stella wonders why the adults don't do anything, to which Anthony responds that they lack power and money, echoing his father's sentiment that it's like living with a 'boot on your back.'
Stella acknowledges Anthony's father faced challenges but became a doctor. Anthony reveals his father's harsh experiences during training, being forced to do menial tasks and only treat Black patients, while white doctors like Dr. Packard refused to treat Black patients. Stella then bravely recounts a traumatic incident from when she was five, where Dr. Packard slapped her hard across the face for accidentally stepping on his shoe.
Stella vividly describes Dr. Packard's cruel words and actions, recalling his sneer and how he pushed her mother away. She and her mother both cried, feeling powerless. Stella throws pebbles in anger, echoing her unresolved pain as the voices inside her house grow louder, and her dog, Dusty, growls softly, sensing the tension.