VESSEL

The walk down the ‘nice path,’ as Mena had called it, was not quite as nice as she had made it sound. The path narrowed quickly, swallowed by overgrown shrubs that brushed against their arms as they walked. Dry leaves crunched beneath their feet, while stubborn roots rose from the earth like quiet warnings. Yet, there was life everywhere; wild, untamed, and quietly beautiful. Ziba smiled as she watched Mena and Amena playfully push one another near a cherry tree, its branches heavy with small, red fruit. She felt a warmth settle in her chest, a warmth that seldom came, and even more rarely stayed. “What’s going on in your mind, Ziba? Walk faster.” Ziba hastened her steps and joined the two girls. … Friends?  She smiled to herself. The path, though bushy, was rich with life. They passed clusters of cherries, soft hibiscus blooms swaying gently in the breeze, and rows of leafy vegetables stretching toward the light. It was as though the earth here refused to hold back its goodness. M...

“I remember you saying you don’t stay too far, so I decided to visit. It was actually Amena’s idea.” Mena stared at the two beautiful ladies standing at her doorway and could only mumble in embarrassment. “I’m surprised you have no reply,” Amena said with a smile as she studied Mena’s shocked countenance. Mena was still wrapped in a faded sleeping scarf that struggled to contain her sharp-edged 4C puff. A toothbrush hung awkwardly from the corner of her mouth, white foam of toothpaste betraying the rush in which she had opened the door. Behind her, Papa burst into laughter. Mena instantly knew he was part of the setup. She finally gathered enough courage to step aside and let them in. She flashed Papa a knowing smile as he gently excused himself from the parlour after exchanging pleasantries with the ladies. She had been a constant ringtone in Papa’s ears lately, complaining about how bored and unhappy she felt. She had no idea how Papa arranged this surprise visit, but she was gratefu...