𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 | 𝐋𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐤

𝟎𝟏𝟕

SHANIQUE BROOKE [NIQUE]
2:33pm
ATLANTA📍

Flashback:
"Good Afternoon, Nique. How are you feeling today?" Dr. Anderson asked. "Hey... I guess I'm okay. Just the usual" Young Nique replied.

"It's okay if you're not ready to dive deep today. We can talk about whatever feels comfortable for you. How about we revisit the exercise we were doing last time? The one where you draw your feelings?" Dr Anderson Suggested as she held her clipboard.

"Yeah, sure. I remember that" She sighed. Nique started drawing, creating abstract shapes on the paper. "Anything Special on your mind as you draw?" Dr. Anderson looked at Nique.

Nique sighed "it's just... everything. Like I feel heavy all the time. I don't want to be alone, but being around people is exhausting. And sometimes, it's like I can't breathe". Nique spoke her mind while she started at the wall.

"That sounds really tough, Nique. And you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people find it helpful to talk about these emotions. Do you remember when these feelings started? Dr. Anderson asked.

"It's been a while. Maybe since I was like... 13 or 14. I don't even remember why. She nodded. "It's okay, sometimes, our minds try to protect us by hiding difficult memories. If you feel ready, we can explore that. If not, that's perfectly fine too." She told Nique.

"I just.... I feel like I did something wrong. Something bad happened, but I can't remember what. It's like its there. But when I try to grab it, it slips away." Nique sighed, not looking Dr. Anderson in the eyes.

"Memories can be exclusive, especially when they're tied to difficult experiences. It's alright if it takes time to piece things together. We can work through it at your pace" Dr. Anderson assured her.

"I want to figure it out. I want to feel better." Nique said. "We'll take this journey together, Nique. One step at a time." Dr. Anderson ended the conversation.

_________________________

Durk knocked on the door at Ms. Reyes house. Khalil's mom opened the door. Her eyes reflected the pain of loss.

Durk went in for the hug. "Thank you for coming" She thanked him then Nique behind him, went and gave her a hug as well.

They spent time with Ms. Reyes, sharing stories of Khalil, reminiscing about the good times. Ms. Reyes takes solace in their presence, finding comfort in the shared moments of her son.

Later, they attended Khalil's funeral, a somber gathering filled with tears and heavy hearts. Durk and Nique stood side by side, supporting each other as they say their final goodbyes to their dear friend.

Durk placed a single white rose on Khalil's casket, a symbol of remembrance and purity. The air is heavy with grief, but amidst the sorrow, there's a shared understanding that life is fragile, and each moment is precious.