I studied their expressions, noting the sincerity in their eyes. They seemed genuinely hurt and stunned by the news. “You’re sure he wasn’t caught up in any street shit?”
“We’re positive,” Murdock insisted. “On my mama, on gang ’nem, he was just trying to live his life. We wouldn’t have even let him get close to any real shit. None of us have heard anything about him being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
I groaned, frustrated. “This doesn’t make sense.”
“Facts,” Murdock replied as a grimace crossed his face. “It ain’t right that he went out like that. Jeremy didn’t do nothing to nobody.”
I took a deep breath, inhaling the confusion and grief. “If you hear anything, you let me know,” I told them all. “We need to find out what really happened.”
AVIANA SCOTT
The last few days had passed in a haze of grief and disbelief. I felt like I was trapped in a hellish fog. Each hour blended into the next, filled with sorrow. Jeremy wasn’t my biological son, but the bond we had developed since Damar and I got together felt as strong as any blood connection. He was a bright light in my life, full of potential and dreams, and now that light had been extinguished.
It hurt as if I had lost my own child. I could barely fathom the idea of bringing a child into this dangerous world, knowing that I could one day face the agony of burying that child. The thought twisted my insides, leaving me feeling hollow and terrified. My heart ached, and each breath felt like a struggle.
I had spent most of the past few days comforting and supporting Damar. He had been a mess, but each day he was becoming stronger and stronger. Today was the first I had been alone to drown in my thoughts and sorrow because Damar was busy with Stephanie making arrangements for Jeremy’s funeral.
I had tried to distract myself, but nothing seemed to alleviate the crushing sadness. I spent most of my day in a daze, sitting on the couch with my phone in hand, staring at the screen without truly seeing anything. It wasn’t until my parents called me on video call that I remembered what day it was.
“Hello?”
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!”they sang. Their voices were filled with joy that felt so distant from my reality. The ritualistic tune echoed through the phone, but all I could feel was the burden of my sorrow.
“Thanks, guys,” I replied weakly. My words felt so empty, lacking the excitement and celebration I should have felt on my birthday.
As I sat there, their faces began to blur as my eyes glassed over. I could barely muster a smile for them, knowing how much they wanted to celebrate me, but my heart was heavy. It felt wrong to be celebrating anything when the world felt so dark and unforgiving.
“How are you managing, sweetie?” my mom asked with a tone and expression full of concern.
“Barely.”
“We’re here for you,” my dad added gently. “Always.”
I swallowed hard, wishing that the comfort of their words could somehow ease the pain. But all I could think about was Jeremy and the void his absence left.
As I continued to talk to my parents about Jeremy, the pain of his loss spilling out with each word, a notification dropped down on my screen. All day, I had been ignoring calls and messages, people wishing me a happy birthday and offering empty clichés, but this one caught my attention because it was from Mythic.
I hesitated for a moment before opening it. His message simply read,Happy birthday, Avi. Still, my heart fluttered as if it was a message full of sweet sentiments, and I felt a small warmth cover me despite everything. I replied with a simple thank-you, adding a sad face emoji that mirrored how I felt inside.
As I resumed my conversation with my parents, my other line rang. It was Mythic with a video call. I quickly ended the call with my parents and answered his.
The moment his handsome, chocolate complexion filled the screen, a small smile broke through the heaviness I had been carrying. He looked concerned, his brows slightly furrowed, and that expression made my heart ache in the best way.
“What are you doing?” His deep rumble was so warm and inviting.
“Nothing,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light, but I knew he could see through it. “Damar is with Stephanie. They’re making arrangements for Jeremy’s service and going shopping for his clothes to be buried in.”
His face softened, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. “You shouldn’t be alone on your birthday, Avi.”
I shrugged sadly. “I don’t even care about celebrating. Nothing feels right. Mia is missing, and Jeremy is dead. There’s really nothing to celebrate.”
“Listen to me,” Mythic said firmly but still gentle. “You need to get out of that house. Slip on something comfortable because I’m coming to get you.”
At first, I hesitated, wanting to refuse. The thought of going out felt wrong and inconsiderate. But I knew being with him would be the perfect medicine. “I don’t know, Mythic…”
“Just for a little while,” he urged with a voice that would convince me to do anything. “You need some fresh air. Let me take your mind off everything for a little while. It’ll be good for you.”
As I looked into his eyes, the warmth and concern radiating from him was undeniable.
