Lovely little story with a soft touch in spite of all the difficulties. As a disabled person with many of the same issues as Aiyana I was a bit afraid of how potentially triggering it could get but I was drawn in by how real and empathetic her portrayal was, as well as Emma's understandably limited perception. The note at the credits touched me, I know exactly what that kind of situation feels like and likewise I was glad for this jam being the one thread keeping my sanity together through difficult times. You managed to make something really cool and touching with the time you had. Also I love the color palette!
I also just saw it was your birthday as I scrolled down to post this comment. Happy birthday! I didn't grow up in the South or anything but I had friends who did, and I absolutely caught the vibe.