InsaneJournal

Open Scene if you want! Just a character beat for now
WHO: Cornell Stokes
WHERE:
WHEN: Apartment location
WARNINGS:Angst/TW: Alcohol
SPOILERS? Pre "Luke Cage Season 1"






This was certainly not Harlem. San Francisco seemed to have its benefits, especially once the fog lifted. The mental one at least, and Cornell recalled his name. Sadly, it followed with his legacy and his sins.

And after that, then came the ghosts. In his youth, Ma Mabel would have hosted an extended family meal. All the girls from the home would have contributed a truly multicultural meal, and it would have been an event. Marisol's Pazole was faint but unforgettable. Kalinda's greens weren't the best, but they were comforting. Even Sister Boy knew how to make the best hot water cornbread he'd ever had. Along with the warmest smile from anyone in the neighborhood. And their shared glances something that he'd never forget either. She never raised a hand to anyone in offense, no matter how justified it was. Turning the other cheek definitely didn't work on that case. But maybe if...nevermind.

These were a lifetime ago. Far removed from the bottle of Guthrie Hollow bourbon he nursed by himself. Craft ice and a cold glass were all that this meal needed. Normally, it would have included Mariah's opinions and a lecture. (But as her greens were worse than Kalinda's, she needed not say anything). Uncle Pete would have appreciated the piece he worked on tonight. Cornell had promised him decades ago that he'd learn his Monk and pay respects. Too bad his disloyal ass wasn't around to hear it.

So the night was full to him. His family far away in another place and time. Harlem's Paradise seemed like a whole other lifetime ago now.