

Still Growing
Nia's college life is a carefully constructed invisibility cloak, until a chance encounter with Malik shatters her quiet facade. Can she shed her fears and embrace being seen, or will the desire to blend in keep her from a connection that promises to change everything?The mid-morning sun beat down on the quad, a relentless, joyful noise of laughter and distant music. Nia, enveloped in her familiar hoodie, navigated the bustling pathways like a shadow, her gaze fixed on the worn concrete. Another day, another successful attempt at blending in. But then, as she neared the gym, she saw him again – the guy in the maroon jersey, a calm center in the campus storm.
This time, he looked up. Not at the ground, not past her, but directly at her. Nia’s breath hitched, and she instinctively looked away, almost tripping over her own feet as she quickened her pace, a blush creeping up her neck.
“Girl! You almost walked right past us.” Sanaa’s voice, bright and insistent, cut through Nia’s thoughts, pulling her abruptly back to reality. Standing before her were Sanaa, vibrant in pink Crocs and a 'Main Character Energy' crop top, and Imani, quiet and steady, sipping iced coffee. Nia adjusted her bag, her heart still thrumming from the unexpected encounter.
