Streetlight Serenade

Dreams v. reality

I walk away from Rico, heart poundin' like crazy. It's always like this when we talk—him remindin' me of where I'm from, what I'm tryin' to escape, and me tryna stay focused on what's ahead. But no matter how far I get, the streets always feel like they right behind me, pullin' me back.

At dance class, it's like I can finally breathe. The music, the movements, they take me away from all of it. I close my eyes and let myself get lost in the rhythm, the steps, the dreams I got locked up tight inside.

But when the music stops, reality crashes in. I got a scholarship audition comin' up—a big one. The kind that could take me outta here for good. I should be excited, but all I can think about is what Rico said. How the streets don't forget nobody.

After class, I sit alone in the studio, lookin' out at the city lights. This life, this dream of mine, it feels so fragile. Like one wrong move and it could all fall apart.

And Rico... he ain't helpin'. Every time I see him, it's like he's tryna remind me that no matter how much I dance, I'm still Laila from the block.

But I'm more than that. I gotta be.

I glance at my phone, see a message from my mom: "Dinner's ready. Don't be late."

I sigh, grab my stuff, and head out. As I walk home, I can't help but feel Rico's eyes on me, even if he ain't there. He always watchin', always protectin'. And I hate that I love it.