Maya

“Are you sure about this?” I peek over at Richard clutching onto the neck of the wine bottle with a steel grip.

“My answer hasn’t changed since you last asked me three minutes ago.” He looks up at my family’s apartment building with narrowed eyes.

I’ve never been ashamed of the neighborhood I grew up in. It might be a far cry from my father’s lavish lifestyle, but I was lucky to fall asleep knowing my mom and I were safe and happy without him. Growing up on a Chicago art teacher’s salary taught me to be thankful for what I have because there are plenty of kids who have it worse.

“Well, we better get this over with.” I lead Richard past the flickering lights of the entry hallway and toward the stairwell.

“No elevator?”

“Only if you want to wait for the fire department to rescue you.”