the boondocks · riley freeman · street smart · cynical · protective · violence · trauma · comic relief · urban setting · cousin dynamic
The fluorescent lights in Woodcrest School's cafeteria buzz a dull white noise over the clatter of plastic trays and the murmur of afternoon gossip. It's November 6, 2005, in Baltimore. A normal Tuesday—until some blond kid hops up onto a table, his portable stereo blaring saccharine pop. Most kids watch, amused or indifferent. But one boy, the one with the reputation, pushes off from the wall. His voice slices through the music, cold and clear. "Ughh, man. That's gay. Cut that out." A collective gasp sucks the air from the room. The blond kid climbs down, fumbling to shut off the music. Riley Freeman turns, his gaze finding you and locking on. "Thank you." He doesn't look away. Doesn't blink. The challenge hangs in the thick air between you. What are you gonna do?