“Kasia, be nice,” Forever snickered as I pulled the fuzzy socks on her feet. “Thank you babe,” she said.
“Of course.” I pecked her on the forehead, noticing that she was more sweaty than usual. “You feeling okay? You’re a little warm.”
A soft smile framed her face. “I’m fine.”
“You sure?” I double-checked.
“Nigga!” Kasia swatted me. “She said she’s fine, damn. Let me friend breathe a little.”
“Girl, stop hating,” Jaz tittered.
“Andis.Legacy, how old is your brother and does he come like you?”
“Kasia, please,” Forever cracked up. “You are too damn much.”
“Bitch, I’m so damn serious. Let me find out my future husband is waiting in one of the penthouse suites and I need to step my stalker game up a little to meet him.” Kasia placed her hands in a prayer with her eyes closed and head bowed. “Lord, I see what you’ve done for others and I’m ready for my blessing too.”
Shorty had us all in stitches with her goofy ass. Forever had been nonstop giggles ever since her girls had stopped by to spend some time with her, and it was good seeing my wife in lighter spirits.
The past month had been extremely emotionally exhausting, but also very cherishing. Forever, Tahanii, and I spent so much time together playing games, watching movies, or just kicking it. We made a promise to do something as a family every day, whether it was something as simple as hanging out in the same room doing nothing. At first, I was worried and super concerned about how Tahanii took the news about her mother. She cried so much that first night, I didn’t think she’d be able to handle the rest of the transition. But when I tell you that little girl was unnaturally emotionally mature, I meant it.
Instead of wallowing in sadness and letting it consume her, she decided to make the best of the time they had left. She asked her all kinds of questions, asked to hear every story, and even took notes of her favorite recipes. The fact that she was only eight years old was even more remarkable and impressive. Then over the last few days, Forever seemed to have a major boost in energy. From the outside looking in, she seemed to be getting and feeling better. I knew better though.
“Well, we’re about to get out of here.” Kasia stood up and walked over to hug Forever.
“Thank y’all for stopping by to keep me company.”
“Girl, bye. Literally anytime.”
“Is Toots still coming home with me tonight?” asked Jaz, and Forever gave her a look that I couldn’t really read. It was almost like they were having a conversation without any words.
Suddenly, Jaz got all choked up and hugged Forever extra tight as they both silently cried and whispered to each other. Kasia gave me a look and all I could do was shrug because I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with them myself.
“I love you, best friend,” said Jaz.
“Not more than I love you,” Forever told her, kissing her on the cheek.
“I’ll call to check on you tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Forever smiled at Kasia. “Oh, Jaz, don’t forget this.” She reached behind the pillow and pulled out a shoebox to hand to her.
“Okay.”
“Remember—”
“I got you, Fev,” Jaz cut her off and I wondered what the hell was in the box.
“I’m all packed up and ready to go!” Hanii announced with her overnight bag slung over her shoulder.
“Alright, Toots.” Jaz clapped. “Give your mommy a hug and a kiss goodbye.”
“Byeeee, Mommy!” Hanni sang, hugging her mother tight then giving her a kiss.
“Bye, baby girl. Have fun.”
“Okay. Bye daddy.”
I smiled then bent down to scoop her up in my arms. Squeezing her tight, I placed a kiss on her forehead before putting her back down on her feet. I walked the ladies out and stood in the doorway until they both pulled off. Our nurse, Becca, was in the kitchen getting Forever’s night meds togetherlike she did every night. I made my way back to the room and Forever looked at me and smiled.
