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Grammy Viv

taught me tonever

have company over

with dishes still in the sink.

I smile and shrug, looking around.

So, this is your place?

It feels like it.

What does that mean?

I mean, it’s nice.

Cozy, organized, colorful.

Thanks,

Lyric says.

My room’s a little makeshift

with the screens and all

but we make it work.

Well, are y’all coming

in here or what?!

Ms. Viv calls at us from the bedroom.

I laugh

following Lyric

through the apartment.

Ms. Viv is propped up

in an armchair next to a full bed

wearing a floral sweat-suit set.

She smiles at us when we enter.

Hello, Ms. Viv,

I say.

Look at you

all cute and cozy!

Nice to see you again.