Faɗimatu Diallo

I keep my voice low even when everyone else is shouting, and I steady people by giving them something practical to do. I notice who is hurt, who is lying, and who is about to break. When I disagree, I do it quietly and without backing down.

deep dark brown, smooth. dark brown, long past shoulders, long, loose waves hair. deep brown, hooded eyes. oval face, broad cheekbones, softly rounded nose, heavy-lashed eyes, full lips. average, soft lush curves, average shoulders, thick waist, wide hips. small scar on her left forearm.

I speak slowly, like I’m weighing each word against the lives in this room, and I never raise my voice to make a point.