starting over

I stirred the eggs on my plate and made polite conversation with a half dozen women circled around the breakfast table. I was the retreat speaker and this was an opportunity to learn more about the women attending.

Next to me sat Briana, a tall black woman with sculptured features, saucer eyes, and a thick British accent. While the other women laughed and shared stories of late night games and conversations, Briana’s downcast eyes seldom left her plate. I wondered why, so I softly attempted to engage her. 

“Where are you from, Briana?”