Mindy’s father hated me, especially when he found out we were more than friends. I couldn’t help that I fell in love with his daughter, and she couldn’t help that she fell head-over-heels for me. She was white, and I was half-black. Mindy’s father, Jim, said people should stick to their own race. Mindy and I had to sneak away to spend time together. Her father threatened me he’d kill me a time or two. Mindy told him if he didn’t stop his threats, she’d leave.

(© 2021 AC)

(Erica Orloff edited this short story. All of my short stories on Kindle are professionally edited)