As soon as I think about the past repeating, Quincy puts his hand on my shoulder and holds me tight. He shook himself out of his fear and is now looking at me to calm down. I don’t have the words to speak. I hate that I have this thought that history is going to replay itself. It paralyzes me.

I swallow hard and focus on watching Jamal. He walks out in a T-shirt and pants, leaving his thin hoodie inside. He’s so hesitant, moving slowly. He makes his way down the steps. Sheriff Brighton approaches Beverly, but she waves him off. Jamal’s not going to be calm if he thinks the sheriff won’t listen. We all watch helplessly because we know once Jamal’s in the police car, there’s little we can do.

I glance at Steve, trying to keep Jamal calm.

“Tracy.” Quincy takes my attention away. “Jamal will be okay.” His eyes are sure. He’s convinced. I try to nod, but I notice a movement beyond the police line.

Richard Brighton is edging forward. No one seems concerned as he approaches his brother.

I look over at Jamal, then at Richard. This isn’t good.

Sheriff Brighton sees his brother, and his face turns firm. I’m stuck between running closer and fear that if I cause a distraction, it will create an aggressive response.

I can’t hear what Sheriff Brighton says, but he seems to be trying to control the situation, explaining to Richard what’s going on. Richard goes from excited to furious. He must have been asked about the gun.

Sheriff Brighton is now talking sternly; he puts his hand on his brother, directing him to his car, but Richard’s not listening. He’s getting more and more agitated.

“He killed a white girl—my nephew’s girlfriend,” Richard yells. “I have a right to be here.”

Beverly notices the commotion and hurries to move Jamal into the police car. Richard pivots around the sheriff and steps toward Jamal, like he’s going to tackle him.

Jamal shifts; he’s getting ready to run with hands cuffed behind his back. Anything to protect himself from Richard.

Richard yells, “Gun!”

I hear it before I see it.

A gun goes off.

Someone is screaming.

Beverly and Jamal drop to the ground. Steve crouches, hands over his head. Mama’s wail freezes my blood.

Sheriff Brighton tackles his brother.

Beverly is lying over Jamal’s body.

Officer Clyde yells, “Halt!”

The chaos is a cacophony in my ears. I’m the one screaming.

Jamal’s been shot.

RELIEF AND PAIN

I can’t stay frozen any longer. I have to move closer.

“Jamal!” I scream, pushing my way toward him.

“He’s fine. He’s fine. He’s fine.” Quincy got there first and rushes back to my side to stop me.