“Ms. Chambers, do you understand?”
“Y–Yes…” she whispered.
“I hate to send you back, but we have to get the paperwork processed. You should be released within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. And Ms. Chambers?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Make the most of this second chance. So many don’t get one.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you…thank you…”
It was at that moment, she eased into her seat, and her shoulders slumped. She released an audible cry that shook me to my core. Erica gently rubbed her back as she whispered to her. Her aunt and uncle stood and reached for her. As they shared a tearful embrace, the West family stormed out of the room.
I stood from my seat to exit as well. Looking to the front, I noticed Alayah’s eyes on me. I offered her a warm smile and mouthed,“Congratulations.”I was proud of her. She deserved to have this freedom. I just prayed that when the case was revisited, she would finally have justice.
“Hello. Hello! Where y’all at?”
It was Sunday, which meant I was having a family dinner with my parents; my sister, Bridget; her husband, Collin; and my five-year-old niece, Ellie. This was a staple in our family once my sister and I moved out. Every Sunday, unless we had a prior engagement, we gathered at our childhood home for a meal that was sure to induce a food coma.
“Uncle Killian!”
I heard the head full of beads and the sound of my niece’s bare feet on the hardwood floor before I saw her. She came running full speed at me with her arms outstretched. I tucked my keys away and prepared to catch her as she jumped into my arms.
“Hey, princess,” I said, scooping her up. “How’s my favorite niece?”
She giggled. “I’m your only niece, Uncle Killian.”
“You are. I missed you, Ellie.”
“I missed you, too. Guess what.”
“What’s that?”
“I got all gold stars at school, and I was student of the week.”
“That’s my girl. I’m proud of you, baby.”
“Thank you!” She held out her little hand and smiled at me.
“What?” I asked, feigning ignorance.
“My monies. You promised to give me monies if I did good in school, and I did. You gotta pay me.”
I laughed as I reached into my back pocket for my wallet. Ellie absorbed everything and forgot nothing. Opening my wallet, I held it out for her to pick what she wanted.
“You can pick one bill.”
She tapped her finger against her chin as though she was thinking hard before reaching in and plucking a fifty-dollar bill. I just knew she was going to grab the hundred.
“Thank you, Uncle Killian.”
“You’re welcome.”
I placed her on her feet, and she grabbed my hand, then led me into the kitchen where my mom and sister were. From the window, I could see my father and brother-in-law standing by the smoking grill chatting it up.
“Mommy, look! Uncle Killian gave me some monies for doing good in school this week!”
She waved the fifty-dollar bill around excitedly. My mother laughed.
