Grief's Like This Messed-Up Rollercoaster, You Know? It Hits You When You Least Expect It. Losing Someone, Man, It's Like Carrying Around This Invisible Weight That Just Won't Let Up. It's Not A Straightforward Road; It's More Like Stumbling Through A Dark Room, Trying Not To Trip Over The Memories. & Let Me Tell You, The Pain? It's No Cakewalk. It's Like This Never-Ending Ache That Sets Up Camp In Your Chest. Grief Ain't Eazy; It's Messy, Confusing, & Just Overall The Worse.
- 𝒥uan Collins
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𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐈 | VOLUME ONE. ❝ C TO THE E ❞ [ HARLEM, NY ]
On a pleasant Saturday afternoon, seated at her well-known dining booth as a loyal customer since childhood, Emauni leisurely enjoyed her fries accompanied by a purple grape soda. Her gaze was fixed on the small restaurant TV in the corner, airing a classic telenovela. Thanks to Wayne's foresight, Emauni found it effortless to comprehend and speak Spanish, as he aimed to strengthen her connection with her maternal heritage. Wayne took measures from kindergarten onward, hiring instructors for both Spanish and Korean, ensuring her proficiency in both languages. This proactive approach stemmed from his desire to avoid future regrets about her not learning these languages, anticipating that it might become valuable someday. "There she is!" She swiveled around at the sound of a familiar voice, finding the Latina girl making her way to their cherished booth, the one they fondly referred to as "theirs."
Celeste, Emauni's childhood closest friend, shared the longest friendship she had ever known. Their bond originated from their mothers being best friends, a tradition spanning generations. Similar to Emauni, Celeste faced the loss of her mother at the age of seven due to cancer. Emauni, treating her like a second mother, also felt the impact of this loss. Spending most of her time at Celeste's house, Wayne believed it was beneficial for Emauni to grow up surrounded by girls and women. However, their dynamics shifted when Celeste had to move in with her grandparents, who owned a small restaurant in the corner of East Harlem, renowned in the Latino community for their exceptional food delivery. Despite the challenges, Celeste, with her unparalleled beauty, exuded carefree honesty and vibrant energy, embodying a strong feminine presence that resonated with everyone around her.
Celeste possessed warm, brown, feline-shaped eyes that, despite their small size, held a captivating allure. Her slim, impeccably groomed eyebrows complemented these eyes, while a petite button nose added to her overall charm. The full, plump pink lips, often kept glossy, gave her a perpetually moisturized appearance. Celeste's signature messy bun showcased her long curls, creating an aesthetically pleasing look as the curls gracefully escaped the confines of the bun. Notably, she sported a cheekbone piercing, a unique touch that Emauni appreciated for its distinctive flair. Celeste embraced her individuality in style, and her charismatic presence made her a well-known figure in Harlem. Renowned for her beauty and charm, she connected with many people by hosting events and showcasing her DJ skills. Passionate about her craft, she aimed to carve a unique space for herself in a field where few women ventured, determined to make a name for herself.
