Death visits the Banks Homestead early the following day, but he’s not there for Peri. Instead, he’s there to claim the soul of the oldest chicken – Ebony. Death takes care of his business and leaves as quickly as he arrives. Moments later, little Dray wakes up from a nightmare. Dray still hasn’t learned which…
All my anger has faded to nothingness once we’re back home from the market, but my previous conversation with ma is still heavy on my mind. Ma doesn’t mention a word of it during our ride back. And she still doesn’t say anything about it once we’re standing in front of the house. Instead, she…
Ma greets me with a long tight hug when she joins us in the kitchen moments later. It’s one of those hugs you give someone before leaving for a long trip. I don’t question her, but it feels special somehow. I take Dray out of his high chair and change him into his clothes. My…
It’s the middle of the night, so Me-Me gives baby Dray one last late-night feeding. Then he ages up to a toddler (with the Wild aspiration). Me-Me is extra tired, so I take it upon myself to make sure Dray gets a bedtime story and is tucked away, in bed, for the night. As daylight…
Deciding to invite Vee into my bed wasn’t a decision at all. It was a need – as pressing as the need for food when hungry or sleep when sleepy… …or the urgent need to take a breath when underwater for too long – as I had been for so much of my life. He…
Mo and I finish our workout as Mase and Perla come from another part of the yard and crawl into the play tent. They immediately grab a few dolls and begin to act out scenarios. Around the same time, Me-Me arrives home from work and comes outside to get Drake. Kai: I mean it, man…
As soon as Mase arrives home with Peri, he joins Perla and Dub on the couch. But Dub and Perla are still in the middle of their conversation, so they don’t notice him immediately. Mase waves and makes his presence known. Mason: Hi. Do you remember me? I’m Mase. Perla is very invested in her…
Peri and Mase arrive at the art center. Peri’s friend Kimmie is there to greet them. She and Peri are still honoring their agreement to meet at least once weekly. Prosperity: *to Kimmie* This is my grandson, Mason. Today is his birthday. *to Mason* Mason, this is my good friend, Miss Kimmie. Mason: *waves* Hi,…
I get up early to prepare a cake for Mase’s birthday. Me-Me has to be at work, and Dub has school today, so we want to get the celebrations out of the way early. We light the candles on the cake and wait for Mase to come downstairs. Meanwhile, ma uses this opportunity to bond…
Vee swooped in to fill the holes left in my life by everything that had happened to me since my transformation. I was close to feeling complete and was finally ready to leave the house and take chances with this new fate forced upon me. Having him there made all the difference, but there was…
