“Mmm. They do say that, don’t they.”

He is wise, beyond what I even knew. Even in his quiet moments, he exudes something loud. His very presence speaks. He knows how to realize his vision. I wonder what it feels like, to know who you are, and to stand in it.

“I have an opening in my congressional office staff,” he says. “Legislative Aide.”

“Legislative Aide?” I echo. My ears ring with it. Legislative Aide Aide Aide Aide.… Is this really happening?

“That’s the title,” Senator Sloan says. “In terms of role, you’d function as a community liaison, between my office and my constituents, particularly around organizing.”

I don’t entirely know what that means, but it sounds amazing.

“Wow. Senator. Thank you, I—” I have no words. Thunderstruck doesn’t begin to cover it. But— “I don’t graduate until end of May.”

“You’d start in August. Plenty of time to transition leadership for SCORE and get settled in Washington.”

Right. SCORE. This thing I’ve given my time and life to for the past two and a half years. Right. Washington, DC. The congressional offices.

“Um…”

Sloan chuckles. “You don’t have to decide now. Let me know next week.”

Right. I don’t have to decide now. “Sure, of course. Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll let you know by then.”

My ears are still ringing. Is there a decision to be made?

Senator Sloan sips his Diet Coke. As we settle into silence again, the SCORE office grows more cluttered and cramped by the second. I imagine myself in a classy suit. Strolling through the US Capitol. Casual, like I belong.

EVA

It’s hard to sleep. My knuckles ache. It hurts a whole lot to punch someone.

But maybe it hurts more not to punch them.

Daddy cries through the night. I put my hand on the wall and listen.

There is nothing I can do.

In the morning, when I say, “I’m sorry you’re sad,” he pretends he doesn’t know what I’m talking about.

“It’s complicated,” Mommy says.

@KelvinX_: Have you seen these mofos with the torches? #HelloLynchburg

@WhitePowerCord: You can hate on us all you want. But you can’t touch us. We have a right to be here.

@KelvinX_: *scratches head* Huh. That sentiment sounds awfully familiar …

@WhitePowerCord: We are taking this country BACK.

@KelvinX_: We are taking this country BLACK.

@BrownMamaBear: #TodayForShae barely scratches the surface. When are black people gonna get serious about taking care of our communities?

@TroubleInRiverCty: Keep on coming, Underhill PD. You can’t arrest and kill all of us. The whole world is watching.

@WesSteeleStudio: The press refuses to mention Henderson’s impeccable service record. Why? Could it be BIAS AGAINST WHITE AMERICANS? Racism is alive and well in Underhill. #SteeleStudioExclusive

@Viana_Brown: Told a white friend about Shae Tatum. She said “That doesn’t happen.” #DifferentWorlds

PEACH STREET

There is something worse than spilled blood. The poison in their voices ricochets for days. People travel the sidewalks wary, wondering what is in each other’s minds.