Page 46 of Praying for Thunder

The light around Tiny floated and caressed my Ani, making her appear spectacular.

In a motherly way, Ani told her, “Nothing can change the past as much as acceptance. That is what I’m learning.”

Bewildered by what I was witnessing, I quietly crawled into my hammock, hoping to see more.

Ani continued, “I’m trying to not be as angry and afraid.”

Tiny’s eyes filled with tears, and she gritted her teeth. “He had no right.”

Anita’s jaw wiggled as she fought her own tears. “Not one.”

The moment was interrupted when Ben knocked on the door. “Special delivery!”

Ani quickly wiped under her eyes and forced a smile. “Come on in!”

Laying in my hammock, my belly and heart full, I smiled when Dio’s name came across my iPad. I wasn’t allowed a cell phone, being so young, but I had games and movies on the iPad to help entertain me when at Myths.

My boy, ya good?

Yes, sir! Ben made me lasagna.

Myth’s cook was like having a private chef who always found joy in feeding me.

Lucky! Save me some?

Oops!

Lol, I’ll see ya in the mornin’

Love you, my dude

Love you, Dio

Watching my movie again, I wasn’t shocked when part of my earphones lifted from my head. “Niño, kisses.”

Maturing at a rapid rate due to my blessed environment, my kisses were no longer as innocent and loud, but they now carried even more admiration. Ani was life for me. With her literally doing all she could for my well-being, I wasn’t taking that for granted. I rarely threw tantrums. I rarely misbehaved. It was actually hard to do when all the adults around me led with so many conversations, explanations, and the balls to speak what was on their minds.

And? They expected the same in return.

If I acted like a brat, I was called out for it. I was asked, “What the fuck is your deal today?”

Aunt Moola would tap her sparkly high heel while waiting for a legit answer. If it wasn’t legit, I’d get called out for that, too.

I huffed. “I…”

“You.”

I finally gave in. “I think I’m mad.”

She would smirk. “Welcome to over half the population of the world. Tell me more. What has you so pissed?”

“Well… there’s this mean girl at school.”

Not surprised, she nodded with pursed lips. “Mmhmm. Tell me the bitch’s name.”

“Julie.”

“Fucking Julies. What did she do to my baby?”