“Yeah. We’re in my room. They didn’t want to sleep alone.”
“How are they? Really?” The seriousness in her tone let me know she wanted to know more about their mental, physical, and emotional states due to the tragedy they’d faced.
“They’re scared. Terrified. I can’t leave their sight for more than a minute or two. They don’t want to be alone at all. Emorey said that she wasn’t hurt but that her dad hit Essence. I’m sitting here wondering if it’s possible to do a motherfucker twice.”
“Luca.”
“It is what it is.”
“Let’s just leave it at that, OK? Does Essence have any bruising?”
“Na, but she’s not saying anything. And, I don’t mean the normal silence. I mean, not saying anything but ‘Me, too,’ to everything that Emorey says.”
“My poor baby.”
“I hope she feels better when she wakes up. Emorey is a tough cookie. She’s going to be alright. It’s my Essence that I’m worried about most.”
“I know. I’m going to look into some therapy for her. Or, maybe you know someone who won’t share whatever she tells them with anyone else.”
“My mother is a licensed pediatric therapist. She can help, and if Essence doesn’t feel comfortable talking to her, then she can put us on to one of her friends. The network is extensive. Just tell me what she needs, and I’ll make it happen.”
“How are you?” She was always worried about everyone else.
“I’m better.”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, Mommy,” I toyed, trying to get her to smile at least. I knew her heart was still heavy and so was mine, but we’d get through it together.
“I can’t wait to get out of here.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m still hurting, but that’s expected. My swelling is almost gone but there’s bruising. Lots of bruising. A blood clot has formed in my eye. The doctor says everything is fine, however, and it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Mentally?”
“Better knowing my girls are home. Sad because I miss them so much, but don’t want to see them while I’m in the shape that I’m in.”
“They saw what happened.”
There was a gasp before the line fell silent.
“I hate him.” Ever cried to me. “I hate him for doing this to us.”
“Hey. Hey. Heeeeey. Everything is okay, baby. Don’t upset yourself.”
“I should’ve fought harder. I should’ve fought back harder, but I was so afraid of losing the baby. My only goal was to protect the baby.”
“And you did. That’s what’s important. You left that nigga for me to deal with, which is what you were supposed to do. Our baby survived. You succeeded. That’s all that matters.”
“I feel like I saved one kid and failed the other two.”
“Ever, you’re talking crazy, baby. Have you eaten this morning?”
“No.”
“Lyric there?”
