Page 104 of Between Hello and Goodbye

Today was the last shift of mine for several days. I went back to my place, too big for just me—huge and empty. I’d just showered and changed when my phone rang with Morgan’s number.

“What’s up?”

“Momi is in the hospital,” he said, his voice tense with worry. “Her neighbor called me. She fell out of her wheelchair. They think it’s a broken hip.”

“Fell out…? How the hell did she fall out? I thought the state paid for a nurse to be with her a few days a week.”

“Yeah, well, apparently this was one of the days without.”

“Fucking hell. I’ll hire her a better nurse. Private. Round the clock.”

“You’re the best brother. She’s at Wilcox. Meet you there?”

“On my way.”

I arrived at Wilcox and was directed to the third floor where Momi looked small and frail in a big bed, the head tilted to a slight incline. She looked to be asleep, but she peeked one eye open when I stepped in.

“Aloha, Asher,” she said with a tired smile.

“Shit, I’m so sorry, Momi,” I said, moving to pull a chair by her bed.

“What are you sorry about? That I’m a frail old lady? That I tried to get in my chair without help when I knew better?”

“I should’ve hired better help a long time ago.”

She snorted. “Oh, sweet boy, when are you going to realize that you can’t keep everyone safe or free from pain? Least of all yourself.”

“I’m not thinking about me right now.”

“And that is the root of your problem. You rarely think about you.” She patted my hand. “The time has come to take care of your own heart.”

“Okay, but you’re—”

“Knock, knock,” said a voice at the door, and Morgan stepped in with a bouquet of yellow roses. “Did Asher bring flowers? No? I win. I’m the best grandson-in-law.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Nalani is on her way.” Morgan kissed Momi’s cheek. “The doc tells me it’s a hairline fracture. Could be worse but you’ll have to make some lifestyle changes. No more Jazzercise for at least a month.” He took her hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, fine.” Momi shot me a pointed look. “I’m not the one who needs fussing over.”

Morgan’s gaze went between us. “What are we talking about?”

“Nothing,” I said.

Momi scoffed. “Asher and I were about to discuss a few necessary lifestyle changes that need to be made forhishealth.”

Morgan’s confusion vanished and he pulled another chair up. “Ah, yes, say no more. Not to gang up on you, bro, but I agree with Momi.”

“Agree about what?”

“Lifestyle changes. One big ole change, specifically.” He smiled with a twinge of sadness. “Time for you to do for you.”

I scowled. “Okay, we’re not here to talk about my problems. Momi—”

“I’m going to be fine,” she said. “And if not, there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m an old lady. I’ve lived a full life, and though I’m not quite ready to say goodbye, when I do, I’ll look back on all my years, at the love I have, and be grateful. Because that is the measure of a life, my dear. The love you have. It’s worth everything.”

Morgan’s eyes met mine, solemn and grave. “It’s time, brother.”