“Nothing a prescription of Tylenol 800 won’t alleviate,” the doctor assured. “I’m going to take great care of you,” the doctor promised. “I’m going to get the nurses in here to prep you for surgery, measure your ears, and grab your vitals. They’ll give you Xanax to take the anxiety away. It will probably make you groggy. You won’t even realize you’re going into surgery in the morning. It’s the good stuff,” the doctor signed, with a wink. “You’ll spend the night here, and in the morning, we’ll change your life. How does that sound?”

“Long overdue,” she signed.

The doctor left the room, as two nurses came in carrying a hospital gown, a small pill, and a cup of water. She placed the pill on her tongue and swallowed it down, quickly, and took the gown into the adjoining bathroom. She changed, quickly, and made herself comfortable under the covers, before turning to Ethic.

“Thank you,” she signed.

“I love you, Mo,” Ethic signed back. His phone vibrated on his hip and he looked down, noticing a notification from Messiah’s text message.

12

Messiah:

Ethic knew Messiah wouldn’t even hit his line unless it was necessary. Ethic’s fingers, quickly, typed a reply.

Ethic:

I’m at Hurley. Can’t leave. Pull up. Room 714.

Ethic looked over at Morgan who had closed her eyes. He hoped he was making the right decision, regarding her. He hoped she knew that he had done the best he could to care for her, over the years. He didn’t know what had motivated the sudden change in her desire to go through with the surgery, but he would support her through it all.

Within the hour, Messiah was knocking on the door. Ethic stood and opened the door to step into the hallway. Messiah caught a glimpse of Morgan, sleeping inside the room, and his stomach dropped. He froze, as worry seized him.

“Everything good?” he asked.

Ethic squeezed the bridge of his nose, as he replied, “She’s having surgery in the morning to restore her hearing.”

Messiah’s gut twisted in concern. He wanted to ask more questions, but to show too much interest would be disrespectful.

“Damn,” was all he could manage.

“What’s the emergency?” Ethic asked.

“A nigga named Cream put word out that he got bread on whoever hit Lucas and the little girl. He’s her father and he on lock up North. Rumor has it, he’s coming home soon and the nigga ain’t happy,” Messiah informed.

“Cream who?” Ethic dug.