Page 30 of Mia

“We have to get her to a hospital right fucking now,” I said, scooping her up. Vinchi opened the back door, and I climbed in with Mia still in my arms. Ms. Maddie got in behind me while Emmon hopped in the front seat.

“We’re right behind you!” Booker said.

“Drive this muthafucka, Emmon!” I yelled.

I pulled off my shirt and pressed it to the gunshot wound to stop the bleeding.

“Hang in there, love,” I pleaded. “You gotta fight for me, mamas.”

“My baby!” she screamed, crying profusely. “My baby!”

I’d never seen or heard so much pain in her voice. It was breaking me. I wanted her to show real emotion, but fuck!

I didn’t want it like this.

Ifelt like I was in a bad dream.

All I could hear was gunfire.

Then there was a sharp pain in my stomach, followed by wetness seeping through my fingers.

“No… no, no, no, no, no!”

My baby… my innocent little girl.

“God, please let her be okay. Let her be okay!”

Bright lights blinded my vision. I couldn’t see in the distance, but it was calling me. Telling me there was peace beyond the lights and a future with my child. Behind me, I could hear distinct voices.

My mom.

Titan.

My father… daddy? When did he get here?

I could hear them crying… begging… praying.

I looked back toward the light, confused as to where I should go.

“It ain’t your time, baby girl,” I heard.

My head snapped around and standing before me was my grandfather. He was just as handsome as I remembered. It had been so long since I’d seen a genuine smile on his face or he remembered who I was.

“Grandpa!”

I ran into his arms, allowing him to embrace me fully. He chuckled as he kissed my forehead. I didn’t know what it was about his hug, but in this moment, it made me break down in tears.

“It’s okay, puddin’” he said, stroking my back. “Let it all out. Grandpa’s got you.”

“I don’t know what to do!” I wailed.

“It’s not up to you, baby. It’s not your time to go.”

“But my⁠—”

“She is fine. She’s at peace and you’ve got your old grandpa to look after her.”

I sniffled as I pulled back and looked at him. “Is she really gone?”