A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

30 | Invocation

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Imani

It was strange how time magnified sadness and remorse while erasing happiness and joy. Imani quickly realized that life had little regard for fairness. Life was all about facing challenges and finding the strength to rise again.

Plenty has happened since Garrett left town six weeks ago. Some of it was good, but most of it was unfair. Eugene was doing well, and he had even started dating Allison Simpson, a fellow female patient who had lost her husband two years earlier. Dylan received an award for his outstanding academic achievement in December, and Imani couldn't be more pleased with her son's accomplishments.

Suzanne was struggling, and with two weeks until Christmas and the New Year, Imani worried she wouldn't make it. Suzanne had become incredibly important to her, and even in the face of death, the woman's sense of humor and compassion remained unwavering. She joked through the pain and requested the lowest dose of medication.

Suzanne had told Imani she wanted her to be aware of her impending death. She should cherish these final moments with her as much as possible. Death was a beautiful concept for her, symbolizing a fresh start, and she was determined not to miss the journey to the next life. Suzanne would see her beloved Aurelia again.

She was Imani's hero and Dylan's godmother. Imani was able to sneak some alone time with Suzanne while Dylan was in the cafeteria with Zoe, and she noticed that Suzanne's attention was drawn to her instead of herself.

Suzanne's voice was low and her strength weak, but there was a twinkle in the woman's eye as Imani bent forward to listen more closely.

"How's Dylan holding up? He seemed sad yesterday morning."

"He's doing the best he can," Imani said, her throat tightening. "Hospitals remind him of losing his father, so this is hard for him."

"Your son is precious." Suzanne winced, and Imani held her hand. "You're raising him right."

"Can I get you anything?"

Suzanne smiled weakly, slowly moving her hand toward Imani. "No. I'll be alright." She lay still and breathed calmly. "Have you heard from Gary?"

That made Imani smile. Suzanne enjoyed using the nickname that Garrett's grandfather had given him.

"Not since our short vacation," she answered quietly. "He missed my birthday and everything."

"Do you think he will come back?"

Imani frowned as she wondered where Garrett was and how he was doing. The notion also made her stomach queasy. Even thinking about losing him was painful.

She took a deep breath and replied, "I hope so. He left town before, but that was under different circumstances."

"That's correct, Imani. He left this time to save others, and he doesn't need you to break down. Stay strong."

"I don't... I'm not sure if he will come back, but he can't stay home even if he does. Garrett has everything going for him in DC, and now that things are better for Eugene, I don't see him sticking around here."

Suzanne's voice had a raspiness to it. "Having you and Dylan is enough for him to come back. You two have such a strong connection that nothing can come between you. Don't let go."

"You're too kind, Suzy."

"I'm sixty-five and dying of cancer, Imani. This allows a person to express their thoughts freely. Your light belongs to someone. Remember that. It's powerful, and if Garrett is worthy, he will come back to you. You've got this."