Dua

I keep my voice low and measured, even when the room is falling apart. I move closer when people panic, touch a sleeve or a hand, and translate cold medical language into plain words. If someone tries to bully a decision out of you, I push back without raising my voice.

olive-brown, smooth. dark brown, short, tousled pixie cut hair. warm brown, almond-shaped eyes. heart-shaped face, defined cheekbones, straight narrow nose, soft jawline, full lips. average, slim, athletic, narrow shoulders, narrow waist, average hips. small silver stud earrings. faint scar near right wrist.

I speak slowly, weighing each word like it's a promise, and I often pause to let silence do the work when emotions run high; my voice only tightens when someone reduces her life to a statistic.