May 4th, 2009
Bianca Azuni Rowe
15 years old
Bianca's worn sneakers echoed against the gritty pavement of Harlem's streets, each step carrying the weight of a grief she refused to unveil. The city hummed with life around her, but in her eyes, a storm raged—haunting memories of her little brother's untimely departure etched into every corner.
As the distant sound of sirens wove through the air, she clenched her fists, a silent promise to avenge his memory. The neighborhood, once a tapestry of shared stories and laughter, now whispered its sorrows in the graffiti-sprayed walls.
Bianca's heart, bore the heavy secret of her brother's tragic end. She navigated the streets like a ghost, caught between the shadows of her past and the harsh reality of the present. In her solitude, she found solace, but also a descent into the depths of a world she thought could shield her pain.
And then, with a decision made in the silence of her shattered heart, Bianca's parents decided to send her to a different city, a different chapter, a new beginning.
Chicago.
Where her uncle Jahseh awaited, unaware of the hurricane that was about to arrive at his doorstep.
Before you know it, Bianca was in the car, looking out the window, watching the city change outside. Skyscrapers replacing brownstones, felt like shedding old skin, as the pulse of Chicago started slowly synchronizing with her heartbeat. The sound of "I Gotta Find Peace of Mind" by Lauryn Hill, was blasting through her headphones.
"Mom, why we gotta do this? Chicago ain't Harlem", she said, slouching in the backseat, as her parents exchanged glances in the rearview mirror.
"Bia, we just want you safe. Harlem's changed, and we worry about you out here." Her mom said, using the nickname she's been called by her whole life.
"But Uncle Jah? Chicago?" Bianca scoffed. "Ion even know him like that."
"He's family, B. He's been through his own battles. He'll look out for you." Her dad spoke up, voice steady.
Jahseh's house appeared on the horizon, a foreign landing in an unfamiliar city.
The car pulled up, and Jahseh stood on the sidewalk, a mix of concern and understanding etched on his face.
"Welcome to Chicago, lil folks", he said, opening the car door as Bianca's parents exchanged their goodbyes.
The handoff was a reluctant passing of the torch, a quiet plea for to find something in Chicago they couldn't provide in Harlem.
As the car pulled away, Bianca stood on the unfamiliar sidewalk, feeling the weight of their expectations and her unspoken promise to her little brother.
Uncle Jah, a silent witness to the exchange, stepped into the role of guardian in this new beginning.
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A/N: i wrote this in dark mode times new roman so i'd recommend you read it in that format. anywayyyy i hope yall gon like this!!
bia out 😘✌🏽
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SYMBIOTIC || KV
Romance𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 (adjective) sym·bi·ot·ic A relationship in which both people involved depend on each other for survival and emotional support. A/N: i promise y'all this gon be good af
