Chapter One
Tiana
Winter in Brooklyn was the kind of weather Tiana hated with a passion, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. Her job was here, and she wasn’t about to give up an opportunity over a little rain.
“Get your shit together. You can do this,” she muttered to herself.
Her new apartment was only a few blocks away, but her job would be a twenty‑minute bus ride — not terrible, except for the traffic. Twice she jolted at the shrieking horns of impatient drivers leaning on their steering wheels as if that would make the lights change faster.
She pulled her coat tighter around her body, trying to keep the cold out, but it barely helped. The coat was old, worn thin, and she knew she’d need a new one soon. Her suitcase rattled behind her, the wheels clicking sharply every time they hit a crack in the pavement. At this rate, she wouldn’t be surprised if one snapped off before she reached the building.
She nearly collided with someone whose umbrella dipped too low.
“Sorry!” she called over her shoulder, not slowing her pace.
By the time she reached the apartment building, her body was shaking twice as much as when she’d stepped off the train. She pressed the small intercom button, wincing at the loud buzz and static that crackled through the speaker. After a few moments, an elderly woman’s voice broke through, sharp enough to make Tiana nearly cover her ear.
“Yes, hello? My name is Tiana Hancock. I’m one of the tenants moving in.”
She checked her phone. “It’s six o’clock, so my check‑in should be now.”
The woman chuckled, the sound fractured by the old speaker.
“Of course! Just give me a moment while I unlock the door.”
A second later, Tiana heard the lock shift. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, greeted by a wave of warm air that made her sigh in relief. She shut the door quickly, determined to keep the cold from ruining the moment.
Up ahead, near the stairs, an elderly, frail woman appeared.
“Ms. Jenkins?” Tiana asked.
Ms. Jenkins smiled, nodding as she shook Tiana’s hand. In her other hand, she held a key.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m glad you’ve chosen my accommodation — though it belongs to my daughter now,” she said with a gentle laugh, motioning for Tiana to follow.
They climbed three flights of stairs before continuing down a hallway. It stretched out in a long, narrow line, the kind that made footsteps echo even when no one was walking. Beige walls framed the space, softened by warm ceiling lights that hummed overhead. The floor was tiled in a neat checkered pattern — light squares, dark squares — a rhythm leading the eye toward the far end.
Identical doors lined both sides, closed and silent, giving the corridor an expectant stillness. A red EXIT sign glowed near the ceiling, its color sharp against the muted palette, like a warning that didn’t quite explain itself.
Near the end of the hall, a bicycle leaned against the wall beneath a red emergency cabinet. It looked out of place — too personal, too lived‑in — in a space that otherwise felt institutional, controlled, and slightly outdated. The air carried the faint scent of old paint and dust, the kind that clings to older buildings no matter how often they’re cleaned.
It wasn’t a frightening hallway, but it wasn’t welcoming either. It was the kind of place where secrets could sit quietly behind closed doors, waiting for someone curious enough to notice.
Tiana stayed silent as she followed Ms. Jenkins to a door.
Room 23.
Ms. Jenkins unlocked it but didn’t hand over the key yet. She stepped inside the small entryway, flicked on the light, and moved further into the room.
“You’re paying a good amount for this one. It’s one of my favorites — open‑plan living room with a separate bedroom. The laundry and bathroom are combined, I hope you don’t mind. And outside, you’re right on the main street, so you’ll get noise.”
Tiana shook her head. “I’m fine with noise, Ms. Jenkins. Thank you for showing me around. It’s very lovely.”
Ms. Jenkins finally passed her the key. “Please don’t lose it. If you do, you’ll need to notify me, and I’ll have to charge you for a replacement.”
“Understandable,” Tiana said.
Ms. Jenkins gestured to a small table pressed against the wall near the bedroom door.
“There are pamphlets for food, events, places to visit. Otherwise, you can just look online.” She smiled warmly. “I’ll leave you to rest. You have my contact details — call if you need anything.”
She stepped out, closing the door behind her.
Tiana locked it immediately, then dragged her suitcase into the bedroom.
The room was small and tidy, with a calm, cozy feel. Two large windows let in generous natural light, framing a simple white bed dressed in soft grey and beige bedding. A round bedside table held a lamp, and a wall‑mounted reading light hovered above the headboard. A black mesh office chair sat near a desk in the corner, and a woven basket with a blanket rested on the floor. Light walls and dark wooden floors gave the space a warm, clean, comfortable atmosphere — a stark contrast to the hallway outside.
She set her bag at the foot of the bed and began unpacking. She was halfway through when her phone rang. Her mother’s name lit up the screen, and she answered quickly.
“Mom, perfect timing. I just got here — I’m unpacking now.”
Her mother’s voice was bright and cheerful.
“Oh, I’m so glad you arrived safely! The weather over there is apparently horrid. Is it raining?”
Tiana moved to the window, looking out at the wet road and the cars speeding through the downpour.
“Yeah, it’s raining. I’m freezing, but the heater in this building is amazing. I feel like I’m melting.”
“Are you excited about the job? What was the bookstore’s name again?”
“Maple and Main Book.”
“I always thought that was an odd name, but I hope it’s everything you wanted.”
Tiana smiled, though it faded after a moment. “How’s Dad?”
Her mother went quiet before answering, her earlier cheer slipping away.
“He’s alright. Still not happy about your decision to go. He really hoped you’d continue with college.”
Tiana sighed. “You know that wasn’t what I wanted, Mom. That’s not fair.”
“I know, sweetheart. That’s why I didn’t say anything — I didn’t want you to feel cornered. I grew up learning not to force people into things they don’t want. Unfortunately, your father wasn’t raised the same way. But it happens.”
Tiana loved her father, but she loved her mother more — because her mother understood her, and never tried to push her away from her dreams.
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best. I haven’t eaten yet, so I’ll probably head out once the rain dies down. If it doesn’t, I’ll just order delivery,” Tiana said.
“Don’t eat too much fast food. You don’t want to grow big,” her mother teased.
“Don’t worry. Just because you’re not here doesn’t mean I’m going to live off McDonald’s… even though it’s tempting.”
“Tiana Evangeline Hancock, don’t you dare!”
Tiana laughed, said goodbye, and ended the call. The smile lingered for a moment before fading as her thoughts drifted to her father, Elias Hancock. He wanted her to finish college, to complete the degree she’d already grown to resent. She’d found no joy in it — only pressure — and eventually realized she was doing it for him, not herself.
The memory of their argument still felt fresh, even months later. When he heard she’d taken a bookstore job in Brooklyn, he hadn’t hidden his disappointment.
“You’re wasting your life away doing all of that!” he’d snapped.
But Tiana knew the truth behind his anger. He wanted to look good. He wanted successful children he could brag about. Life didn’t always give people what they wanted.
She pulled out her small Bluetooth speaker, connected her phone, and let music fill the room as she continued unpacking. She was going to make it through on her own. At twenty‑eight, she knew she could do it.
