Chapter 2

Dear Dal,

I'm losing hope. It's been 2 months, Dal. I've been living off of what people give me in the streets, which is like not even enough for a loaf of bread. There are even days that I spend with just water and days that I spend with nothing. My clothes are starting to rip. It's starting to get old, Dal. I'm tired of this life. What happens when I have the baby? How will I take care of it? I don't even have enough food for myself. I'm not sure if I can survive any more days. How are you doing? How does it feel to have nothing to do or worry about? I'm trying to keep myself alive for the baby's sake, but that's not an easy job. What do I do? Where do I go?

I thought mom would reach out after a while or look for for me. I thought maybe she'd feel bad and invite me back into the house. At least for the baby's sake. She didn't though. It feels like I never had a mom. How could she throw me out so easily, Dal? Am I really that easy to get rid of? You'd comfort me if you were here. You'd tell me everything would be alright and I would believe you. You would hold me tight and kiss my hair. You'd watch the stars with me. I can't even look at the stars now. It's just too painful to bare. My eyes get blurred with tears. I needed you to stay, Dal. You went away when I needed you the most. I don't know how I'm going to find anyone else as good as you. I don't even think it's possible, Dal. I miss your touch. I used to think true love was bullshit, but you convinced me otherwise. You were my first to everything. And now you're my last. I didn't think we'd last this short. Do you remember when you took me to that small restaurant for our first date? It's a memory stuck in my mind. If only fairytales were real, you'd still be in my hands. I miss your warm hugs. I miss your convincing words and calming voice.

Please come back to me some way.

You'll always have a special place within my heart, my love

-Imani