Daily Writing Challenge 2026

F3: Day 3 of Challenge

Maya sat in the soft amber glow of evening, curled into the deep cushions of her living room armchair. The city outside hummed with distant life, but inside, her thoughts unraveled slowly, drifting toward memories of David. He had been her past lover, a white man with gentle eyes and a thoughtful presence, whose conversations shimmered with genuine curiosity. David listened intently to Maya’s stories about growing up Black during the 70’s, absorbing her world—the subtle slights, the pride and resilience. His empathy was like a warm blanket on frigid days, wrapping her in safety and understanding. Sometimes, when night pressed close, Maya recalled his questions and the safe space he created for her truth.

Chris, her current partner, shared David’s quietness that could make a crowded room feel intimate. Both men savored Sunday mornings over coffee and possessed a certain wanderlust. But Maya noticed that when she spoke about her experiences, Chris’s curiosity seemed to flicker and wane. He’d claim to want to know her, yet his posture would stiffen, his gaze slide away. Platitudes— “I just want you to be happy”—would fill the space instead of true conversation. Maya was, by necessity, eager to discuss the current political situation which was beginning to take control over her community. But while he would initially show interest, it appeared superficial and performative. So much so that Maya would often stop talking because he accused her of getting “on her soapbox.”

The space between the two men, who were both older than she was and from comparable backgrounds, was immense, holding surface similarity alongside a noticeable withholding. Maya found herself longing for the depth she once knew, her heart replaying old dialogues with David while hoping that one day, Chris would not only mirror his surface but also reach for her story.