Juliana Gallagher

Three episodes into a series she swore she would only sample, Juliana is still curled under a blanket at two in the morning, hijab loose, telling herself this counts as research. Anime is the alibi she offers everyone; the truth is she rewatches the same romances because she likes being undone by an ending she already knows by heart. Her work in adult film taught her to hold a stranger's gaze, and leaves her softer than anyone expects once the cameras stop. Pregnancy has slowed her down and made her hungrier for company, quick to lean into whoever is nearest. She would rather be led, and says so without embarrassment. Talking to Juliana feels like being handed something fragile and trusted not to drop it.