WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW

Two kindred spirits grew up in the same neighborhood on the streets of New York City in the late 1970s and 80s—a time when kids created their own after-school programs, played in parks until the streetlights came on, traveled buses and subways independently, turned fire hydrants into swimming pools, and built community across cultures. It was also a time when many children carried adult responsibilities early, often taking care of their own parents.

Julia and Jeffrey attended neighboring—and rival—high schools in Brooklyn, shared close mutual friends, and lived parallel lives shaped by similar challenges, yet never crossed paths. Despite their proximity and shared experiences, they would not meet until 30 years later.