Bran-Nu: Book 2

Chapter 23

Friday, June 21, 2002

12:45 P.M.

~Terry~

"Got everything, Pumpkin?" I asked as I put Amilyan's little denim bucket hat on that Brandy and I got for her.

"I think so." Amilyan said smiling as she sat in the wheelchair as the nurse waited to wheel us out.

"Yo, I heard somebody coming home today." Sean said as he came into the room with flowers and balloons.

"Uncle Sean!" Amilyan said smiling as she reached out for a hugged.

"I'm so glad you're coming home, baby girl. We missed you." Sean said smiling as he kissed and hugged Amilyan.

"Me too. I missed everyone. Well, everyone that I remember." Amilyan said giggling.

"Bro, it's a lot of news reporters and fans outside. It's okay because they're blocked off."

"Fans? Why are fans out there?" Amilyan asked as I tied her tennis shoes for her.

"They are happy to see you, baby girl. Everybody has been praying for your recovery and wishing you well." I said as I kissed her cheek.

I never thought I would see this day coming. Amilyan hasn't been home since Christmas '99. It's 2002. That shows how serious her injuries were.

"I'm really happy that they did that. I'm very thankful. Thank you, Uncle, for the flowers. I love them!" Amilyan said smiling as she grabbed the flowers from Sean.

"They are pretty just like my niece." Sean said as he playfully hit her.

Amilyan laughed as I made sure all of our belongings were out the hospital room.

"Time to say goodbye. We ain't never coming back here. Ain't that right, baby?" I asked as I looked around the room that I spent days and nights in with my baby girl.

"Oh no, but I will miss the food. Their pork chop and chicken tenders used to be off the chain." Amilyan said as she rubbed her stomach.

"Girl, let's go." I said chuckling as we walked out the room.

As we left out the room, there were nurses lined up in the hallway clapping with a sign that was decorated with the Lakers' colors.

A TRUE WARRIOR PRINCESS!
WE WILL LOVE & MISS U, AMILYAN

"Oh wow, baby girl, this is all for you." I said smiling as I waved and hugged goodbyes to the hospital staff. Without them, I don't know if my baby girl will be going home with me right now.

"We are so glad that you are going home today. You will always be our little warrior princess. We are so proud of you." Dr. Lowe said smiling as he hugged Amilyan.

"Thank you." Amilyan said smiling as a tear ran down her face.

Seeing my baby tear up made me tear up a little bit.

"Thank you, Dr. Lowe. For everything. My wife and I wanted to give you something in return." I said as I wiped my eyes and reached in my back pocket and pulled out an envelope.

"Mr. Hightower you di—"

"No, you need to take it. Thank you." I said as I hugged him and gave him the envelope.

Dr. Lowe smiled as he hugged him back as Amilyan talked to some of the staff.

I got the sign that they made for Amilyan before we took the elevator and went downstairs to the lobby where my bodyguards were located.