Music pulsed through my small apartment like a rapid heartbeat. Shadows moved to the hip-hop rhythm, damp bodies dancing in the smoky darkness. Powerful bass drowned out voices and shuddered windows. From the closed bathroom door came the bitter scent of m*******a.
I moved through the crowd with the hood of my jacket pulled up to cover my straight, blonde hair and pale face. My hands were balled into fists and shoved deep into the jacket pockets. I kept my gaze on the floor and my shoulders hunched, well aware of the color of my skin, such a contrast at a party like this. Twice stray elbows caught me in the ribs but both times I ignored the jabs. When a high-pitched laugh pierced the music, I ducked down further into my jacket and wished I could blend in.
Outside, deep bass beats pounded
