The time spent with Melisa yesterday feels like a pleasant dream that I have to work extra hard to recall, because grief hits me hard and heavy when I wake up the following day. I try and pull myself together as much as I can while preparing a breakfast of ramen noodles. I can’t help…
Melisa is sitting down eating pasta when I enter. I grab a plate and sit down with her. A sudden bout of distress and guilt strikes me. Since Melisa has been here, I’ve forgotten all about being sad for Pop-pop. I mean, he’s still on my mind, but the heaviness isn’t there. Kai: Do you…
Returning to campus feels like dragging a hundred-pound weight on my chest. I can’t breathe, and all I want to do is go back home to ma, climb into my loft bed, and cry. But I started something that I have to finish. Pop-pop would have insisted. So here am I, back at student housing….
Alida’s story wouldn’t have been the same without Quincy Wade Jr. (Day 12 – Day 8.3). His calm, relaxed demeanor was the perfect contrast to Alida’s more forceful ways. Together they did a fantastic job of raising the next two generations. A fitness enthusiast, music producer, and freelance photographer – Q’s passions helped shape and…
Meanwhile, in Strangerville… Kai’s Uncle Merit and his long-time girlfriend, Roni, sit at home just after midnight – seemingly too tired to go to bed. Veronica: You’re quiet tonight. Merit: I’ve run out of things to say. Veronica: *deep sigh* Roni gets up and takes a few steps closer. Veronica: Are you upset with me?…
I’m incredibly nervous as I step towards her. If I ask for her number and she says no – I’ll be crushed. And what if she has a boyfriend? I haven’t seen her with any guys here on campus, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have anyone waiting back home for her. Maybe she’d still…
I wake up in desperate need of a shower after having a series of interesting dreams last night. It might be time also to change my sweaty sheets, but that’ll have to wait until later, or I’ll be late for class. A few of my roommates are already up when I make it downstairs. I…
At least, I think I’m ready until I walk around the corner and see Melisa sitting there at my usual table. How many times can I approach her in one day without seeming weird? So I pretend not to see her and sit down at the other end of the table to start my homework….
It’s a miracle, but I manage to wake up early enough to not only get ready for class but head to the student center for breakfast. The only issue is, I arrive too early. I approach the cafeteria worker. Kai: Good morning. Can I get an order of French toast? Cafeteria Worker: Good morning. I’m…
Annette wants to meet up at a nightclub in Windenburg. I rush back to my room to change and meet her there right on time. Annette compliments my haircut right away, and I respond by telling her that she looks pretty. It’s my first time going to a club, so I try to play it…
