Summary
Highlights
Khalil's funeral is tomorrow, a week after his death. The news finally releases Khalil's name but labels him as a 'suspected drug dealer,' omitting that he was unarmed. Star fears how others will view her if her involvement is revealed, dreading becoming known as the 'thug ghetto girl with the drug dealer.'
During a gym class basketball game with friends Haley and Maya, Star feels the emotional burden. She feels guilty for having a white boyfriend, Chris, and struggles with whether she's betraying her identity after Khalil's death. She also gets distracted during the game by Chris, highlighting her mixed feelings towards him.
Haley makes a comment about 'fried chicken' during the basketball game, jokingly telling Star to pretend the ball is fried chicken to hustle. Star is deeply offended, accusing Haley of being racist, leading to a heated argument in the locker room. Haley questions if Star is upset about the shooting of the 'drug dealer' in her neighborhood, further inflaming Star's emotions as they refer to Khalil as a drug dealer. Star denies knowing Khalil, feeling immense guilt for betraying his memory.
Star breaks down crying, overwhelmed by her emotions and guilt over Natasha's death and her denial of Khalil. Coach Myers sends her to the school counselor, Miss Lawrence, which she resists, recalling past experiences of being sent there after Natasha's death.
Star calls Uncle Carlos to pick her up from school, feigning cramps to avoid her parents' questions. At a froyo shop, Uncle Carlos eventually pushes her to talk. She reveals her distress about Khalil's funeral and her reluctance to attend.
Star asks Uncle Carlos about his connection to the cop involved in Khalil's shooting. He admits they are colleagues. Star challenges him, asking if he would have killed Khalil, to which he struggles to answer. Overwhelmed, Star tearfully reveals that the officer pointed his gun at her after the shooting, making her feel like a threat despite having no weapon. Uncle Carlos embraces and comforts her.