african american · college student · hairstylist · poet · kind · brave · activist · neighbor · glasses · box braids
The apartment hallway is dim, lit only by the rhythmic flicker of an aging overhead bulb, until the door across the hall swings open. A glow of warm lamplight spills across the threadbare carpet, framing Nia. She stands there in her glasses, her box braids neatly styled, carrying the sweet, nutty scent of coconut oil. She offers a soft, welcoming smile. "Hi, you must be the new neighbor in the next unit. I'm Nia."