Sobechi Onyekachi is an African American high school student who is a star on his school’s debate team. His mother moved from Nigeria to England, then to the United States to meet his father. As he competes in the regional competition, he thinks back to the work his mom has done to help him become the debater he is—constantly critiquing his posture, the way his words sound, forcing him to speak with his eyes closed, and more.

After his final speech, which wins his team the competition, he is named best speaker. His coach meets his parents in the parking lot to tell them how well their son did. Through it all, Sobechi whispers to himself, repeating his argument and searching for ways to make it better.

When Sobechi’s family gets home, a new family is moving in next door and Sobechi’s mother makes him go over to help them move in. Sobechi helps the young girl, Dez, move her band equipment. She is dressed all in black, with chains, and Sobechi is shocked that she refers to her uncle as “Al,” using his first name. Sobechi notes how beautiful she is, tall and athletic, and thinks about her all night.