We Are Not Like Them

Riley returns to the hospital to give Jenny her baby shower gift before work. On the way there, she listens to the radio, filled with commentary about race in America and critiques on the case and racism. There is a press conference later that day to announce the indictment of the police officers. When Riley pulls into the visitor parking, she sees Jenny crying in her car. At first, she thinks something has happened with Chase, but she quickly learns that she has been listening to the same radio stations as Riley. The tension comes to a peak between the friends, and Jenny is upset that “these people are treating my husband like a villain and a scapegoat” (243). Jenny defends her husband and says the worst part is that she feels abandoned by her best friend. Riley tries to respond, explaining that she has been there for her, and Jenny asks her opinion on whether Kevin should be arrested. Riley explains that it is not her decision, and Jenny doubles down, telling Riley her feelings towards them, her anger, and what she thinks of Kevin are not fair. Riley defends herself, saying unarmed Black men are being shot and killed, and no one is being held accountable for those deaths.