𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝

𝟸𝟼

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The day I left the hospital was both exciting and terrifying. I wasn't going back to my mother's house like I half expected; instead, I was heading to my own apartment—a place I didn't remember ever living in.

Mommy stood beside me as the nurse helped me into the wheelchair. I could see her trying to hide the worry on her face, but it was there in her every move.

"Yuh ready, baby?" She asked, her voice soft but filled with concern.

I glanced up at her, the reality sinking in that I wouldn't have her hovering over me every second anymore. "Mi ready, Mommy. Mi can do it."

The nurse wheeled me out into the open air, the sunlight striking my face. I squinted, adjusting to the brightness after so many weeks indoors.

Mommy car was parked right in front, and she hurried ahead to open the passenger door. "Tek yuh time" she said as she helped me into the seat.

The drive was quiet at first, the hum of the engine the only sound. I stared out the window, trying to find something familiar in the streets and buildings, but nothing stood out. It was like driving through a new town for the first time.

"Mi proud a yuh, Amira" Mommy said, breaking the silence.

"Proud a mi?" I asked, glancing at her.

She nodded. "Yuh been through plenty, an' now you a try get back pon yuh foot. Dat nuh easy."

Sure easy fi yuh lie to me but oh well.

I smiled faintly but didn't respond. The truth was, I wasn't sure if I was ready for this.

When we pulled up to the apartment building, my stomach churned with nerves. The building was a simple two-story structure painted a light cream color. There were potted plants by the entrance, and a small sign above the door read, "Rosewood Apartments."

"This is it?" I asked, stepping out of the car with her help.

"Yes, baby. You've been living here fi a while now. Mi nuh live far, so yuh can call mi if yuh need anything," she said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

The climb up the steps felt like an eternity, but finally, we reached the door to my apartment. She handed me the keys. "Here. Yuh need mi help wid anything inside?"

I shook my head. "Mi will figure it out."

Since that's all I been doing either way.

She hesitated, her eyes scanning my face. "Alright, but mi a beg yuh, call mi if yuh feel overwhelmed. Mi deh right down di road."

"Ok"

She gave me a quick hug before stepping back. I unlocked the door and pushed it open, stepping into what was supposed to be home.