Ethic was uncomfortable, witnessing the scene unfold, and knew it was best that he saved her some dignity by leaving. He didn’t want to make the situation anymore humiliating for her. Truthfully, he should’ve already been out the door, but the word ‘anything’ made him take pause. Was this beautiful sister literal in her meaning, or was he reading too much into it? He felt a nagging in his gut that told him to intervene, but he wasn’t trying to get too close to this woman. He had wronged her, and to be around her but not inform her of the role he played in her misery, felt like cruelty. He didn’t want to disrespect her space. No mother should be subjected to the presence of their child’s killer, and Ethic was just that. A child killer. No matter how handsome, how suave, how enlightened, or appealing he was…he had taken her daughter from this earth. Intent didn’t matter when it came to that fact. His bullet had ended her life; and despite the many lives he had taken prior to that fateful night, he was certain it was that one deed that would be his undoing on his judgment day. He shouldn’t be near Alani. Didn’t even deserve to breathe the same air as her. Still, he couldn’t help but think, Fuck she mean by anything? Eazy came running out of the bathroom and Ethic corralled him, easing out the front door, without as much as a goodbye. He led his son to his truck, all the while Alani’s voice played in his head.

I’ll do anything.

Anything…

Anything…