Becca started at Downtown Mission and spent the next hour wandering the streets. She finally reached the Tribe’s campsite. It was prime Skid Row real estate, and new tenants had relocated. Becca eyed the new tents that had been erected, a half dozen men and women sprawled out in camper chairs. Her vision began to blur, another side effect that hadn’t faded. Becca grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down, needing a few minutes’ rest. She was sitting at a bench, staring out the window, when she spotted Raya hurrying past the McDonald’s, a cigarette in her hand. Becca rushed out of the restaurant.

“Raya,” Becca shouted from across the street.

The young woman was disheveled, her hair uncombed, face streaked with dirt, but the moment she saw Becca, Raya’s face lit up. She raced over to Becca and flung her arms around her. “Holy shit, Doc. You’re alive and kicking. What the hell are you doing down here?”

Her mannerisms were overly exaggerated, her speech frenzied. “I came down to check on you. I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner.”

“Shit, I’m so glad you’re better. You and me will always be cool. That bitch was crazy and sometimes crazy can’t be contained.” She chuckled, stubbing out her cigarette and lighting a new one.

“Where are you staying? Do you have someplace you can go?”

Raya nodded a little too enthusiastically. “Sure thing, Doc. I’m cool. I mean, I appreciated your cop friend helping me out. Couldn’t stay there though. They were fucking psychos. I tell you, Doc, they were plotting to take my kidneys. I heard ’em whispering about it late at night.”

Raya must have stopped taking her meds, which meant her delusions had returned. “Can I buy you lunch? I’ve got some cash if you need a little…”

Raya laughed. “Doc, this wounded bird is doing fine on her own. Don’t you worry about me. Focus on getting healthy. Your girl needs her mama.”

Becca hugged Raya and held on tight. “You need anything, you can always call me. Don’t stop by for a visit though. Call first.”

Raya burst out laughing again. She returned the hug, then she was on the move, already lighting another cigarette. “Gotta bounce, Doc. Take it easy.”

Becca wished she could stop her. That she could convince Raya to check herself into a hospital and get back on her meds before her condition worsened. Or that Becca could pay a visit to Mrs. Parsons and convince her to take her daughter back. Though she wasn’t sure Raya would even go for that. No matter how well intentioned, Raya was free to make her own choices, even if it meant living right on the edge. As much as Becca didn’t want to admit it, Raya was right. There were some wounded birds she just couldn’t save.

ASH

ASH