Ermias nodded with exaggerated seriousness and grabbed a crumpled paper towel off the floor that was by the trash can. It must have fallen out when I’d dumped trash inside. He used the tongs to pick it up.
“Got it!” he declared, dropping it into the trash can.
“Good job, baby.”
Ermias, of course, saw everything. Even when he didn’t say much. I didn’t know if he felt bad for me or what, but I was sure that baby loved me.
He moved over to the table, tugging out one of the chairs to climb on. “Can I wipe this? He asked me, already reaching for a napkin on the table.
I tossed him the damp towel. “Use this. Napkins leave fuzz.”
“Okay!” Ermias scrubbed enthusiastically, missing half of the table, of course, but smiling so hard it didn’t matter.
As I watched him, I felt that familiar tug. It was a mixture of love, guilt, and awe. I never wanted Ermias to feel he had to take care of me. But the truth was, he always noticed when I was a little off, when my left side lagged behind the right, when I bumped corners or hesitated steps. Instead of making a big deal out of it, he just…helped.
He was five. Just five, and already a better man than most grown ones I know.
“You’re doing amazing,” I praised.
He grinned, one front tooth missing and eyes bright. “Because you said we’re a team!”
I sniffed back tears. “Always,” I said.
“Even when your eye doesn’t work?”
I nodded. “Yes, even then.”
Ermias jumped off the chair, cloth in hand, and ran down the hallway. I’m gonna clean the doorknobs! You said germs always get on those!”
I giggled, shaking my head at him, remembering something so small that I’ve told him.
We were a team and were doing just fine with it, just being the two of us. Why add someone else to the equation?
“Mama, these shoes are tight.” Ermias sat on the edge of the bed, kicking his feet, scowling at the brand-new sneakers I’d just bought him. He was being all squirmy and dramatic. His handsome face was twisted up like he’d just tasted lemons.
“They’re tight because they are new,” I told him, smoothing the collar of his shirt. “You’re going to be fresh today at Mahlia’s family reunion. I’m not about to let you show up looking like nobody loves you.”
Ermias flopped back on the bed with a groan, arms flinging as if I’d just ruined his life. I laughed under my breath and stood up straight, brushing imaginary lint off my dress. My good eye did a quick scan of both of us. I looked decent. Mahlia bought us a family reunion shirt—army green with orange and white printing, and distressed jean shorts that stopped mid-thigh.
“Should I cover my eye with a patch?” I asked Ermias?”
He shook his head quickly. “No, Mama. I fight anyone who talks about you.” His tiny fist balled up.
I smiled at that. My baby had more heart than I did sometimes.
“I know you would,” I murmured, reaching over to brush his curls down my palm. “But we don’t have to fight anybody today, E, alright? Let’s go eat good and speak when spoken to, and leave before any family drama starts up.”
Ermias nodded like we’d just sealed a deal.
A lil’ over an hour later…
We pulled up right when Mahlia texted me that the reunion was starting. It was just enough time for the grill to be smokin’, spades games starting, and music to be on its third KeithSweat song. Mahlia’s people were deep. Tents and folding chairs stretched across the massive backyard.
When we turned onto the street, the house sat like a statement on several acres. There was a long, winding driveway full of cars. Its exterior was a mix of smooth ivory stucco and dark stone accents.Tall, black-framed windows lined the front, and a double door entry stood in the center beneath a towering archway. Everything about the landscaping screamed intentional–trimmed hedges, a custom stone walkway, uplighting along the edges that would make the whole thing glow after sundown. There was a three-car, black matte garage door. Above the garage was a balcony, complete with sleek railing.
This was a damn house.
As soon as we entered the backyard by the side of the house, kids were already running in every direction, and a cousin who’d clearly been drinking since breakfast was dancing solo near the bounce house. Mahlia spotted me and Ermias the moment we stepped into the grass.
