Page 9

Brooklyn

CHAPTER NINE

"Do I look okay?"

"Couldn’t be more beautiful," Miss Inara replies, perhaps for the fourth time, though I still feel incredibly anxious ever since Madison called to tell me she was bringing my children to visit.

"I’m nervous. The last time I was with them, they were so little, but my sister showed me videos. They’re walking now. They’re so clever!"

She comes closer and strokes my face. "I can’t even imagine the panic you must have felt that night your family was attacked, Brooklyn. I think it’s the worst nightmare anyone could face, especially knowing our children are vulnerable. But now you’ve been given a second chance. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to stay stuck in the past. Cherish your family. Start fresh. Forget the harm that was done to you. People like those who hurt you will eventually have to answer to the Creator."

"I’m not that good a person, Miss Inara. There’s no room for forgiveness in my heart. They nearly left my children without a father and a mother. Prison is far too lenient for what they did."

She nods in agreement and opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, someone knocks on the door.

"Ready for the visit?" my sister asks.

I’m sitting on the bed with my legs hanging off the side, as I’ve begun taking small steps around the room. I had hoped I’d be able to stand and maybe even hold my children in my arms. But the moment I see each of them in Madison’s and Eleanor’s arms, it feels like all my limbs turn to jelly.

To my embarrassment, instead of walking toward them, I hide my face in my hands and start crying.

It’s not a quiet cry, one born purely of happiness. I cry out all the fear I felt at the thought I might never see them again.

I’ve been wondering why I didn’t wake up, even after Dr. Athanasios operated on the small tumor in my head. I’ve concluded that I didn’t because I was afraid—afraid that if I opened my eyes or fully understood what people were telling me, I might find out Soraya and Silas were gone.

It was only after the neurosurgeon provoked me for the first time that I began to truly notice the world around me. Hearing my sister talk about my babies and everyone’s lives helped me finally wake up.

I feel Eleanor’s and Madison’s arms around me, and the scent of my children reaches me.

I uncover my face, look at each of them, and can’t speak. I can only silently thank God for this miracle of being alive and with my family.

"Silas, Soraya, do you remember Mommy?"

My daughter has her chubby little hand in her mouth and says nothing. They both just watch me.

"Hey, you two," I say, stroking each of their little faces.

"Madison practiced with them all week, showing them your picture and telling them who you are. They both learned to say ‘Mommy’ when they saw the image, but I think they’re feeling a little shy now."

"That’s okay. I don’t want to scare them. I’m in no rush," I say, tickling Soraya’s little belly. She gives me a small smile, seeming more comfortable with me than her brother. "Sit down, Madison. You shouldn’t hold her for so long."

They place the babies on the floor, and my sister settles into a chair.

"I heard the physical therapist’s report was very promising. He said you’re working hard, and at this rate, you might be discharged sooner than Dr. Athanasios initially predicted," Eleanor says.

"Yes, and the speech therapist gave me some exercises and said I’d likely be discharged next week."

"And your legs? Do they still hurt when you walk?"

I sigh. "Yes. I’m walking like a baby—only a very lazy one."

"Baaabyyy!" Silas says, clapping his hands.

I break into a huge smile. "That’s right, my love. Mommy’s a baby!"

He gives a small smile but then turns his back to me and walks over to Madison.

I tell myself it’s silly to feel jealous, but I’m human. I love my sister above all else, but seeing my children more comfortable with her than with me makes my heart ache.

"Baby!" Soraya repeats, but unlike her brother, she takes a few steps toward the bed and stretches her little hand out to me.

I take her hand, wishing I had the strength to get off the bed and kneel to talk to her. But on a good day, my legs barely work properly, and the chance that emotion will make me falter is too high. I don’t want to scare her by falling in front of her.

"Dr. Athanasios said he’d be coming to check on you soon," Madison says.

"I wouldn’t know. He barely talks to me."

She looks at me as if she knows a secret I don’t, but she says nothing about it. "Changing the subject, Zeus told me he let you know that the investigators would be coming to take your statement later today. How do you feel about that?"

I glance at my children, worried they might hear us, but both are engrossed with their toys. "I don’t want to have to relive that night. Especially since, in a way, everything’s already been resolved," I reply, remembering my brother-in-law told me the men had been arrested and are awaiting trial. "But I understand it’s necessary to ensure they have no chance of escaping justice."

"Yes," she agrees. "Your testimony will be crucial. You know there will be a lawyer by your side the entire time today, right? If you feel uncomfortable with any question, you just need to ask for guidance."

"Zeus explained. Your husband is a good man, Madison."

She beams, her whole face lighting up. "He’s the best."

I shake my head, smiling too. "I thought it was more likely for a cow to fly than for you to ever fall in love."

"‘Cowww!’" Silas repeats, proving that despite his toys, he’s paying attention to everything.

"Yes, cow, my love."

"I’m completely in love, and I’m not afraid of trusting him. Zeus has proven his loyalty to me in so many ways."

Someone knocks on the door, and a moment later, I find myself face-to-face with the man responsible for me being with my children today.