Summary

The next section is “The Fire.” Slater has laid the groundwork by introducing Sasha and Richard, and will now give the details of the moments leading up to the fire and the fire itself. The first chapter is “Monday, November 4, 2013.” Jasmine told Richard he had to ask his teachers for help when he did not understand his schoolwork. Richard spent a lot of time with his cousin, Lloyd. Carlitta Collins, a security guard at Oakland High School, described Lloyd as “A big, rambunctious ball of energy” (105). He was two years older than Richard. When he arrived at school and tried to get Richard to leave early, Richard refused. Lloyd waited until school dismissed, and Lloyd gave Collins a hug as they left.

The next chapter is “The 57 Bus.” Sasha and Michael walked together to a transit station, about a...