Working extra shifts as a young hospital nurse, I was making beds with an older nurse whose Jamaican-South London accent identified her as a first-generation immigrant.

She asked where I was from. I described my father’s Kenyan origins and my mother’s roots in Scotland where I was born and raised. The nurse spat, “Tssh—so, you don’ belong to nobody!”

It’s been forty years, yet I remember it, sharp as the slip of a knife.

A story about race, migration, and belonging.

Enjoying Whole Stories Shortly? Become a subscriber and show your support!

Perhaps your day is ruled by your never-ending to-do list, or you simply need to tune out the news for a while. Take a break to think different and feel different with a weekly story that’s short enough to fit your schedule — yet long enough for you to escape.

Visit Whole Stories Shortly to become a paid or free subscriber today and never miss a story!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bethriunguwrites.substack.com