Blended

The school is just getting back to normal when, without warning, the school security police come into Mr. Kazilly’s classroom and escort Logan out. Mr. Kazilly stays vague about the reason but strongly hints it has to do with the noose incident. Izzy goes to Imani’s home that night for a sleepover. The two girls have been friends since third grade, and now they talk candidly about race and racism. Izzy has always been impressed by the decorations and furnishings in Imani’s home. The artifacts reflect her family’s pride in their African identity and culture. Izzy cannot help but feel again as if she is two people. The trauma over the noose runs deep in Imani. Just seeing a noose in an Western they are watching on television is enough to cause Imani to panic.

Spring is beginning to return. Izzy’s father plants his annual daffodil garden although Darren worries he might be planting too early. Izzy whispers quietly to the struggling buds to hang in there until spring sticks around. Meanwhile, Izzy is picking up on the increasing tensions between her parents when it comes to sharing custody. The hand-offs are getting more tense and are occasionally confrontational.