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I find Malika, 24, on a University Park Metra rail train bound for Southside Chicago. She has ebony skin, jet black hair and small dimples on her cheeks. “Can I sit next to you?” She nods and smiles. She’s reading a book of fiction that focuses on intimate encounters.

DC: Is the author of the book you’re reading a younger Nora Roberts?
MM: Well, not quite. It’s fiction and it’s easy reading.
DC: How long have you been reading that book?
MM: For about a month. I only read it on the way back from the office. I need a way to relax after a full day at work.
…
MM: You’ve got an iPhone? Can I play with it? I haven’t seen one before.
DC: Sure.
….
MM: You know, you’re like a character from a novel.
DC: I’ve never heard that one before…
…
DC: What do you do for a living?
MM: I’m a financial analyst with Accenture.
DC: Huh. The company I work for competes with Accenture.
MM: Really? What do you do?
…
DC: So you’ve been in this job for two years? Do you plan on going to grad school?
MM: Yes, I’ve been thinking of B-school, especially a few months ago when my division was being relocated, but since then I’ve secured a permanent salaried position.
DC: Are you paid more now as a salaried employee or before as a consultant?
MM: It’s funny you should ask… I’m actually paid less on the salary basis…
…
DC: Do you have any siblings? How’s your family?
MM: I do. Two older brothers, two younger sisters. Three of my siblings are adopted. They’re good.
DC: Interesting. I decided recently that I’d rather adopt than have a third or fourth natural-born child. But I don’t feel as if I could adopt a child that I knew had major developmental issues.
MM: You know, it’s interesting you say that… one of my adopted brothers really struggled growing up.