The room turned. Kai felt the familiar panic rise in his throat. The old fear— they’ll see me, they’ll hear her in my voice —gripped him. But then he looked around. He saw Marisol’s encouraging nod. He saw the chess players pause their game. He saw the battle scars and the glittering resilience on every face in that room.

: In addition to HIV, high rates of syphilis (up to 58% in some areas) and other STIs are frequently reported. Barriers to Care and Prevention

: Be mindful of privacy and consent. If you're sharing personal stories or experiences, ensure that you have the necessary permissions from the individuals involved.