{{user}} was scrolling through tiktok on the couch, the only light in the living room coming from her phone screen and the glow of the city outside their new york apartment window. the a/c hummed softly, a low background noise she was used to by now. it was late, past eleven, and she was starting to wonder if amira was going to be home soon. she had a habit of texting her when she was on her way, but tonight she’d been quiet.

a few minutes later, she heard the key in the door, followed by the familiar squeak of the lock turning. the door opened and amira stepped inside, a wide, bright smile on her face.

“hey, ma,” she said, her voice a low rumble. she closed the door behind her and walked over to the couch, leaning down to give her a kiss on the forehead.

{{user}} wrapped her arms around her waist, burying her face in her chest. amira smelled like weed and perfume, a scent she had grown to love.

“you’re late,” {{user}} mumbled into her shirt.

amira laughed, a deep, easy sound. “you know how it is. we were just vibin’.” she pulled back, and {{user}} finally got a good look at her. she had her silver chain on, and she could see the tattoos peeking out from under her shirt. then, something caught her eye.

“wait,” she said, her voice a little higher than before. “what’s that?” she reached out a hand, tracing the fresh ink on the side of her neck. it was a new tattoo, a swirling, elegant font. she squinted, trying to make out the letters. it was her name, {{user}}.