Shawanda Mendez

Just the beginning...

It was a hot day, like any other during a Florida summer. I was outside with my neighbor Mr. R and we were doing what we usually do. Having a good time, listening to music, watching the kids play outside with our cold drinks. . Mr. R. was an older gentlemen and he treated me like a daughter. Hell, he’s old enough to be my grandfather. I was getting over a bad breakup with someone I was in a relationship with for four years prior. So being outside the house that we shared together was a normal practice, especially during the summer. On this particular day I wasn’t looking my best, it was my off day. I had on a black bonnet, a midi dress, and some Nike slides. Me and my neighbor had just finished smoking, so I had my head down and was lost in my thoughts. My legs were open a bit, about shoulder length apart and I was staring at the ground. I thought I felt someone looking at me and boy was I right. It was someone I’ve seen before but didn’t know and didn’t even know his name.