8: WHO

Keisha

The aftermath of the mall incident left me grappling with a sense of unease, robbing me of the motivation to venture beyond the confines of my home. Each day seemed to blur into the next, weighed down by the heaviness in my stomach and the pervasive boredom that accompanied my self-imposed isolation. Months had passed since I last set foot outside, cocooned within the safety of familiar surroundings yet yearning for a change of scenery.

It was on one such day, when the monotony threatened to suffocate me, that a flicker of excitement stirred within me. The mere thought of revisiting my coffee shop, a place that held fond memories and familiar faces, ignited a spark of anticipation. It had been far too long since I last indulged in the hustle and bustle of serving customers and crafting the perfect cup of coffee.

Accompanying my mother on her selling ventures had become a welcome distraction, offering a semblance of purpose amidst the dreary routine of daily life. Yet, on this p