She and I share a look, one we share often. The I don’t believe you, but stay safe / Don’t cause any trouble / Stay out of areas the police cars park in / Keep your head and hood down look. “Okay, Von.” There’s hesitance. “Stay safe.” Ma’s always let me have freedom, as long as my grades were in check and I didn’t get into trouble at school. But ever since her friend Maurice’s Nathaniel got shot by that officer back in June, she’s been looking at me weird, like she wants to take that freedom away to shield me from what’s out there.
