Glory

6. NYU Visit

Dear Annika,

You have been selected as a residency advisor{RAs}, responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive community/environment in campus residence halls. And facilitating student engagement and development. You must arrive at the NYU campus on August 14th, 5 days before the original mover-in date, for your specific training!

Thank you,
NYU Administration

August 10th
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles General Medical Center
9:30 PM

"New York or Nowhere"

Thoughts will be italicized!

I phoned Danai, and she urged her way towards me. "Annika, what's wrong?", Danai conveys, embracing my body into a graceful hug. "Unesifo sikashukela sohlobo 2 kanye ne-bipolar disorder. Kungani engangitshelanga, Danayi? {She suffers from type 2 diabetes and bipolar disorder. Why didn't she tell me, Danai?}

"Why didn't I figure it out?!"

"I don't know.", Danai says, gracing my arms. "She's been my person, my whole life. I can't lose her. I'm scared!"

My glistening eyes attempted to hold back the tears. Knowing that if they fell, it would make my situation real. But the heavy tears fell, as I avoided eye contact with Danai, squeezing my eyes shut. She clings to me quickly, as I quietly sob in her arms. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Please ask your mother to tend to mine, as we attend the NYU visit. I don't know how I'm going to leave her alone, in this situation. What if—"

"Don't even think of that. Of course, Ms. Jelani will be cared for, you'll see her during holidays, but you can't give up NYU."

"I know. When I attend NYU, I'll find money to pay a nurse to care for my mother—"

"My mother can take care of h—"

"Danai, she's not your burden. She's mine. I can handle it."

"I understand.", Danai says, tears sink to my face, and the heaviness in my features becomes more apparent. As her arms wrapped around me, tears flowed more freely. At that moment, in Danai's arms. I felt heard.

She's my best friend. And I can't wait to embark on my New York journey with her. Safe to cry and not be rejected. Safe to relax and let out my pain. I felt warm and embraced on every level of myself.

I had cried before, but this time, I let myself cry until I felt spent. Her arms felt like security. They felt like a warm blanket.

I didn't realize, how much was in my heart. I had needed to cry, and my gift was having a best friend who was always there for me, as I did so.

August 11th
Los Angeles, California
NYU Visit
9:00 AM

My legs jump out of the shower, and I clothe into a v-neck white blouse and blue baggy jeans.

* Outfit
• Annika Jelani