*Joyner turns a corner and begins walking down his street towards his grandma's house. Along the way, he notices an elderly man working on his lawn. As Joyner passes, he catches the man's attention.*

Vallet Mohammed:

Oh! Good afternoon Joyner. Coming home from school?

*The Man looks up to Joyner with a genuine smile.*

Joyner Johari:

Yeah. Just the same old same. What about you Mr. Mohammed?

Vallet Mohammed:

Well, just trying to enjoy life while it lasts. You truly need to experience the beauty of nature for yourself some time instead of being cooped up inside Haha…

*Mr. Mohammed lets out a chuckle.*

Joyner Johari:

Yeah… Anyways, I got to get home and check on my Grandma. I'll see you around old man, take care of yourself.

Vallet Mohammed:

See you around Joyner. Oh and let your grandma know I say hi!

*Mr. Mohammed tips his cap and gets back to his garden work as Joyner keeps on walking.*

*Not long after, Joyner arrives at the doorsteps of his grandmas house, twisting his key in the doorknob and walking inside. Immediately, he's hit with the smell of freshly cooked pastries mixed with a fruity tang.*

Grandma Johari:

Jojo is that you? It's about damn time you got home, I've been worried sick about you. I have no idea how a twenty minute walk turns into an hour long detour.

*As Joyner walks into the kitchen and sees his grandma hard at work peeling apples into a bowl. All across the counter are bowls and containers filled with Joyner's favourite foods.

Joyner Johari:

I'm sorry Grandma, but I just got busy. What's with all this food? Do you have plans tonight?

Grandma Johari:

Joyner don't be serious! Don't you remember what day it is today? Hoooolllly- and I thought that you would've remembered after 16 years of us celebrating it.

Joyner Johari:

What? It's not my birthday?

Grandma Johari:

Jesus Jojo, use your head.

Joyner Johari:

Look, Grandma I can't remember ok, so can you just tell me alread-

Grandma Johari:

Jojo today is the anniversary of that day! The first time your mother dropped you off to live with me! Joyner, I know that it's not an entirely pleasant memory. We haven't seen your mother in these last 16 years and I have no idea where that girl ran off to. I feel just as bad since I lost my only daughter, but that why we celebrate.

*Grandma Johari gives Joyner a wrinkled smile.*

This is supposed to be our way of turning lemons into lemonade, and I've worked especially hard this time 'round. I even got all your favourite dishes here.

*Grandma Johari displays the food behind her.*

I've got a whole load of Korean barbecue, I've got an apple pie, cookies, stuffed peppers, curry, and even some special homemade soul-food.

Joyner Johari:

*Joyner's face darkens, as he begins staring at the ground, chest filled with guilt.*

Grandma… Don't get me wrong, I'm super thankful. It's just that I can't have this meal tonight…

*Grandma Johari turns to face Joyner, and a long silence begins.*

I already made plans tonight. I'm going to a party with some friends tonight, and I have no idea when I'll be back…

*The silence continues, until finally Grandma Johari chooses to break it.*

Grandma Johari:

Alright Joyner. If that's what you want.

Joyner Johari:

Grandma, wait I-

Grandma Johari:

No Joyner. I won't stop you. Your old enough now to start making your own decisions. I just wish you would've told me sooner. I… I think I'm going to go clean myself up a bit. Help yourself to any food that you want.

*Grandma Johari shuffles out of the kitchen and begins making her way upstairs.*

Joyner Johari:

*Joyner Sighs, looking out the kitchen window to stare out at the sky

*The afternoon sun transitions to a beautiful sunset, with a groomed and washed Joyner coming down the stairs to see his Grandma sitting alone at the kitchen table.

Joyner Johari:

Alright Grandma, I'm heading out now. Don't know when I'll be back, so don't worry about waiting up for me.

*Grandma Johari slowly turns to meet Joyner's gaze.*

Grandma Johari:

Ok Joyner. Enjoy yourself, and please. Stay safe.

*Joyner notices her hand tightly clenching onto her tea cup.*

Joyner Johari:

Ok. Goodbye Grandma.

Grandma Johari:

Goodbye Jojo.

*Joyner walks out the door and quickly begins making his way down the sidewalk. He once again passes Mr. Mohammed's house, seeing the old man sitting under the shade of his front porch. Both men give a silent nod as Joyner continues on his path, as the light of the sun is extinguished by the night.