Memphis, TN – 5:38 PM
I swear the air in Memphis always feel thick when you holdin' in too much. Thick with heat, thick with secrets, thick with that smoke you blow out your lungs like it'll carry your pain away.
That's how today felt.
I was sittin' on the porch, legs crossed under me, blunt between my fingers, and headphones blasting SZA like she understood me personally. The sky was orange as hell, like it was on fire. Mosquitos already out. My curls were a mix of purple and gold from the sun, tied up in a puff. My black glasses slid down my nose from the sweat, but I wasn't movin'. I liked the stillness. I needed it.
It's funny how you can be surrounded by people and still feel like you in your own world. That's how it is for me. I got people—TT, Reggie, TK... even Ty when he ain't on some dumb sh*t—but I keep most of me tucked away. Real tight.
Because once, I didn't.
And he crushed it.
⸻
The People in My Life
Ty (Tydus)
Ty's... complicated. Fine as hell, yeah—dark skin, tatted up, voice deep enough to make your spine hum. He plays rugby like it's therapy, all aggression and bruises. But he's fake guarded. Like he tryna prove something. Maybe to himself.
He had me once—had my heart, for real. But he did me wrong, played me like I was just another girl in rotation. Said all the right things then ghosted like it meant nothing. And the crazy part? I still feel him when he walks in a room. Still feel my heart do that dumb little flip. But I keep it chill now. I don't let it show. I won't.
I don't trust Ty. But part of me still wants to.
TT (Tionna)
That's my day one. We been tight since 8th grade when she punched a boy in the mouth for calling me a nerd. Brownskin, tough, Chicago energy. She ball like she got something to prove, but she never talks about her heart.
She says she's straight, but I ain't stupid. The way she look at Sushi when she think nobody's watching? That ain't just friendship. But I don't press her. TT don't open up easy. She's a vault. Maybe that's why we click.
Sushi
Sushi's like a soft storm. Beautiful, but heavy. She got dreads, hoop earrings, and a stare that cuts. She's 18 but feel older. Got too much pain behind those eyes. She always talk about getting outta Memphis, like this city's trying to swallow her whole.
She's in love with TT—open about it too. The way she follows TT around, waiting for her to see her the same way. It's sad. And real.
Reggie
Reggie is a light, straight up. Brownskin, thick, can dance better than anybody I know. He's gay and don't hide it for nobody. Always high, always talking loud, always laughing. But if you watch close, you'll see the cracks.
He got a thing for TK but swears it's nothing. And then there's Edward—Reggie thinks he might be in love with him. I kinda see it. Edward always bothering Reggie like a little boy with a crush he doesn't understand.
TK
TK always on point. Hair laid, nails done, outfits clean. She got this quiet confidence, like she don't need validation. She smokes heavy, talks slick, and never stays with one boo too long.
Sometimes I think she uses love like lip gloss—something to apply and wipe off when it fades. But she's real. She does hair like a magician and always shows up when it counts. I respect her.
Edward
Edward? He gets on my nerves. Loud, messy, always talking over people like he trying to be seen. Light skin with a fade he thinks makes him God's gift.
But something about him feels... lost. He be looking at Reggie too long, then clowning him like he ain't just staring. He doesn't know what he wants. I just wish he'd stop dragging other people through his confusion.
