I mostly want to remind her of the recipes of healing, and give her my own made-on-the spot remedy for the easing of her pain. I tell her, β€œGet a pen. Stop crying so you can write this down and start working on it tonight.” My remedy is long. But the last item on the list says: β€œWhen you wake up and find yourself living someplace where there is nobody you love and trust, no community, it is time to leave town – to pack up and go (you can even go tonight). And where you need to go is any place where there are arms that can hold you, that will not let you go.
β€” bell hooks Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery