05| Danger in Clyde

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." - Walt Whitman

-Kimani Trinity Campbell -

As I was about to throw another handful of popcorn into my mouth while watching my favorite show, the show was abruptly interrupted by a breaking news alert. A female news anchor's face appeared on the screen, her expression solemn and concerned.

"Good evening, I'm Sarah Lee and I have some breaking news for our viewers. A new casino in Clyde, Marion, has been the target of gang violence. According to eyewitnesses, the bar was burnt down by members of a notorious gang in the city. The police are investigating the incident and are warning the public to stay away from the area."

My hand froze mid-air, popcorn spilling out of my grasp and onto the floor. The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I lived just a few blocks away from the casino and the thought of gang violence so close to home was frightening. I couldn't help but wonder if this was just the beginning of a new wave of gang activity in Clyde.

As I sat on my couch, I felt the weight of the world pressing down on me. The city I once knew as a haven was now a dangerous place, filled with gang wars and terror. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

My phone rang, breaking my thoughts of fear and danger. I glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was my best friend, Bella. I answered the call, my voice trembling.

"Kimi, are you okay?" Bella asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered, trying to sound calm. "What about you?"

"I'm okay, but I'm worried about you. I saw the news about the casino, it's really dangerous out there," she said, her voice filled with fear.

"I know," I said, taking a deep breath. "I'm just trying to stay safe."

"Listen, I want you to come stay with me for a while. Until things cool down in the city," she suggested.

I stared at the empty bowl that sat on my lap, my mind running through the possibilities. On one hand, staying with Bella would give me a chance to escape the danger that was so close to home. On the other hand, I was hesitant to leave my home, my comfort zone.

"Bellz, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think that's a good idea," I finally said, my voice filled with uncertainty.

"Kimi, please. I'm not just doing this for you, I'm doing this for both of us. You'll be safe with me and we can protect each other," she pleaded, her voice growing more intense.

I hesitated for a moment, taking in her words. As much as I didn't want to leave my home, I also couldn't ignore the fact that I was in danger. Finally, I made a decision.

"I appreciate the offer," I said softly, "but I need to stay here. I need to keep working and keep creating. It's the only thing that keeps me sane."

She sighed heavily on the other end of the line. "I just worry about you. You're in a dangerous part of town, and with everything going on lately..."

"I'll be fine," I interrupted, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Besides, my work has been selected for the Clyde exhibition. The judges were so impressed with my paintings, they wanted to showcase them to the entire city to see."

"Oh my God, that's amazing!" Bella exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "My baby girl is making waves."

I smiled, feeling a small spark of joy in my heart. "So, you see why I can't just pack up and leave now, Bellz. I just need to focus on getting everything ready for the exhibition. It's going to be a big deal, and I want to make sure I look sane and happy."

"That's good babe."

We talked for the next couple of minutes and then said our goodbyes and hung up.

I turned off the television and sighed. The exhibition was going to be a huge opportunity for me, and I couldn't let fear or danger get in the way.

I leaned back on the seat and turned on my phone, I couldn't help but smile as I reread the email, taking in every word.

Clyde Gallary was one of the most prestigious in the city, and they wanted me. It was a dream come true.

I was filled with a rush of adrenaline as I thought about the possibilities this exhibition could bring.

I walked over to the window and stared out into the night sky, lost in its beauty. The stars were shining bright and twinkling like diamonds in the sky. The full moon was a brilliant white, casting a soft glow over the city below. The city was silent, and for a moment, I felt like I was the only one alive.

The city was peaceful, with only the occasional sound of cars driving by or the distant hum of voices.

I gazed out at the night sky, feeling the peace and beauty of the moment wash over me. It was as if the world was reminding me that, despite all the darkness and danger, there was still so much beauty to be found.

The stars seemed to be calling out to me, beckoning me to come closer, to bask in their brilliance, and to let go of all my fears. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill my lungs. I felt at peace as if all my worries and fears were melting away.

I stayed there for a long time, lost in my thoughts and the beauty of the night sky.

Kimani Trinity Campbell, you're doing well.

My dad would have said that.