Seven Days in June

by Tia Williams

“Don’t ask,” said Shane. “You pull a loose thread and the whole shit unravels.”

The concept of ‘father’ just feels made up, like Santa or the Easter Bunny.” Shane tapped the bottle against his leg. “Never believed in those niggas, either.”

“If you have the opportunity to make a moment meaningful, why not take it?”

When bad things happened over and over, it was a sign. God was telling you to change. Your attitude, your hair, your address. Something.

hated you only because…” Eva paused. “It was because loving you wasn’t an option.”

“History doesn’t repeat itself,” said Shane. “But it rhymes.” “Who said that? Nas?” “Mark Twain.” “Mmm,” she said. “Great philosophers, both.”

“I love you,” said Shane. “Dramatically, violently, and forever.” She kissed the top of his head, smiling brighter than the sun. “I’ve always loved you,” he whispered. “What a coincidence,” she whispered back. “I’ve always loved you, too.”

Now she wanted to figure out who she was—and then be her, delight in her. Delight in everything! Have an actual life and live it! She vowed to herself to be honest—with herself and with everyone. In pain? Admit it. In love? Claim it. Life was too short to be anything but herself.

“Name me a fine man who isn’t problematic.”

“Hi, baby,” said Shane.

“Miles Davis said there are two categories of thinking: the truth and white bullshit. The national anthem is white bullshit.”

“Adulthood is a lie, Audre. We’re all just tall toddlers.”

Mother and daughter mirrored each other in the most striking of ways.

You push stuff away that isn’t safe and obvious, Mom, but love isn’t safe and obvious. Love is risky. Take the risk, woman.”

How do you finish a love story that you…you never wanted to end?”

Mr. Hall, you should really go to therapy. Black men don’t go, and it’s an epidemic.

And maybe that was what real, adult love was. Being fearless enough to hold each other close no matter how catastrophic the world became. Loving each other with enough ferocity to quell the fears of the past. Just fucking being there.

Shane cupped her face in his hands. “It never ends, does it? Loving you never ends. Whether you’re Genevieve or Eva. Whether I lose you for years or wake up to your face every morning. I love you. You’re my home. And I want you forever.”