JR SWAT 4: JunIor AdVocates

Chapter 16: Empathy

While Street and Chris enjoyed each other's company in a freezing cold hospital room, Hondo prepared a cup of hot tea. The only predominant sound in the very quiet evening was that of the shower, after Nichelle excused herself to get ready for bed. The teenager was already lying down on his bed, which was an inflated mattress in the middle of the living room. Hondo wiped the counter, while his mind continued to race. He waited for the kettle to come up to temperature staring at nothing in particular.

He knew he needed to take care of Nichelle (and his baby girl) but the image of D'Andre, aka Rev, was vivid in his mind. He thought of the boy and was instantly taken back. He remembered his childhood friend Amari, the very loving kid who grew up a couple of houses down the street from his. Everyone praised his manners, more so the older ladies in the neighborhood. He was the definition of a gentlemen -a gentle boy!- and he was one of the most loyal friends anyone could ever ask for. Hondo remembered how he and his two homies would always play with Amari and his older brother, and every time there was an argument, Amari was the one calling for peace. Just like Rev, his boy Amari would never skip mass. He even sang in the kids choir at times. He was devoted to his mother, even though she was constantly on him for not doing well in school. Hondo knew  that was his Achilles' Heel: he never really learned how to read or write, so he hated school. Darrel tried to get him to learn, but it was useless. The kid could recite the whole Bible, but couldn't care less about reading it.

Hondo chuckled, remembering his own childhood. His adventures, running around, playing sports, his mother yelling for him, his sister complaining about everything...it was as if it had been yesterday! He stared at the tea pot, waiting for the water to boil, as more and more memories flooded his mind. He continued his trip down memory land, remembering several instances in school, in the neighborhood, in the park...

"Hondo?" Nichelle called, snapping him back to reality.

She stood by the entrance of the kitchen, staring at him. Hondo shook his head momentarily, then turned to her. "Yeah, yeah."

"You ok?" she asked tilting her head to the side, frowning.

"Sure. I was just thinking." he paused. He took a step back and gestured towards the tea pot, "Tea's almost ready!"

"Alright." Nichelle said, frowning at him. "You sure you ok?"

Deep breath. Hondo took a moment and paused, "Just...remembering ol' days."

"Ok." Nichelle said with a quick nod.

Even though his mind was racing real fast, he took a look at his home and sighed. Nichelle was alright and Calvin was alright. He still had a ton on his mind, but for now... this will suffice!

The next morning, Washington DC....

Groan.

Street was exhausted, but thankfully his back wasn't barking as much. As a matter of fact, it was the first good rest in over a week! What a relief!

He opened his eyes slowly, swallowing and rubbing his cheek. He felt the intense light showing down on him, as his pupils tried to focus and recreate the image in front of him. He felt something soft on his hand, which laid flat on the side of the cot. He looked down and noticed it was Chris' hand. She must've fallen asleep holding it.

He could see the brittle hand, fingers still bruised, adorned with green and dark spots. She couldn't close her fist, maybe a fourth of the way, but the fact that she had slipped to the side of her bed, lifted her hand and somehow placed it on top of his was incredible. He smiled, feeling his eyes moistened.