𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐖 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓; nipsey hussle

𝟏𝟎 | 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐖

          BOOGIE'S KNEES WERE PRESSED against the side of the cushioned bedding. Her head rested upon her forearm that lied against the hospital bed rail with her fingers interlaced gracefully with Ermias'. She had been faithfully sitting near his bedside for the past ten days with Samiel not being too far away— she was restless and her eyes formed into bags overnight. Boogie couldn't eat nor could she sleep and it definitely wasn't healthy for her at this time of her well-being.

The mesmerizing beeping chimes from Ermias' EKG machine became the cause of Boogie's newly frequent trances which occasionally took her seven minutes, on average, to refocus on the tragedy that has affected many lives. Ermias lied still, too still, intubated through the mouth and bandaged from his head to his lower abdominal area. She adjusts herself along the bed rail when she feels a tap on her shoulder that caused her to nearly jump out of her seat.

"Yo, Boogie, it's me Sam." he said. Hearing Samiel speak those words allowed Boogie a sigh of relief that was needed. She groaned, covering her face in slight embarrassment, "I'm sorry."

"You straight. Mama came through and dropped off some green tea for you." Samiel voiced, handing her the box. "Oh, how sweet of her." Boogie said as she tried putting on a light smile, feeling the dried tear stains on her high cheekbones. "Is she coming up? I want to tell her thank you." Boogie asked, looking up from the Lipton Green Tea box.

"You know how mama is... she couldn't even gather herself to get outta' the car, so today ain't a good day for her." Samiel sighs with a shrug. He grabbed a chair at the foot of Ermias' bed before sitting in it. He gradually sipped on his refreshing green tea through a thin coffee straw, scratching the back of his head still in quiet disbelief.

"The doctor came in this morning to change his bandages." said Boogie. "She says he's fallen into a vegetative state."

Samiel said nothing in response, not breaking his gaze from his brother. "Sam?" Boogie questioned as she lowered her head to meet his lost gaze.

"I heard you." he nodded in understanding. He continued to sip on his tea. Samiel has been deepened within his thoughts lately, but it was the only way to keep him sane during a time like this. He continued, "I was told last night."

An observation of concern showed in Samiel's eyes— all he could contemplate about was the cost of Ermias' medical expenses as they continued to keep him on the ventilation machine. They weren't a family who came from wealth, nor were they impoverished either and the last thing Samiel wanted to do was damper his parents with the updated news of his brother's condition.

"I didn't mean to keep you out the loop, if that's what you thinkin'." said Samiel, diminishing the silence between Boogie and himself. "Oh, no, I understand. It probably would've been best if I didn't find out until now anyways." she nodded.

Samiel repositioned his chair beside Boogie in grasp of her hand, "Listen, I know we don't talk much, but I appreciate you being here for my bro. He loves you, we all do for that matter, but none of us want to see you give up on school... to be here." he explained with sincerity.

Boogie sighs, "I'm assuming you overheard my conversation yesterday." she said pushing her untidied hairs behind her ear. Samiel slightly lifted his eyebrow in confirmation to Boogie's statement. The thought of postponing her fall semester of her freshman year of college entertained her mind recently and it was found to be a notion she couldn't disregard and put in the back of her mind.

"I failed Ermias." she shrugged effortlessly. Boogie immediately began nipping at her t-shirt with her fingernails, "I watched him take his last breath in front of me and everyone is expecting me to just walk away?" she questioned, looking up at Samiel.

"No, you didn't. Things happen for a reason and I'm goin' to find out who did this, but the last thing any of us think is that you failed him." said Samiel.

Although Samiel is the oldest sibling, being that he was three years old when Ermias was born, he was very self-effacing and modest. If a brother's keeper were a person, it was definitely Samiel.

Samiel continued, "You've worried yourself enough. When was the last time took a looked into a mirror?"

Boogie ignored the thought. "You think my brother would want to see you like this? You think he'd be alright if he found out you havin' second thoughts about New York?"

"No."

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS of the early summer season, it rained. The sill of the window had been occupied for hours during the late night as the only thing being seen was the despondency of Boogie's reflection. As the eleventh day slowly approached, it was only the first since Boogie has been alone with Ermias. She became accustomed to Samiel being near her side, but for the moment he wasn't.

A deepened sigh of relief escaped from Boogie's lips as she effortlessly lifts herself from the uncomfortable position. She returned to the used chair in exhaustion, mentally filled with emptiness. She gently traced her thumb along Ermias' Hood Unit hand tattoo with her chin rested upon her forearm, rested upon the bed rail, deep in thought.

"I know you're sleeping, but the doctor said if I talk to you, you'll hear me. I hope you can hear me. I've been praying for you everyday, Ermias, just how you taught me. I know you're strong and at the end of the day, I know that God has the final say so in all of this. I've always loved you, Ermias and I know you're with me. I feel you. You are forever survived by me and the life within me. Until next time, I love you beyond this earth."

Breath escapes from Boogie as she find the means to gather herself to her feet. She took another moment before leaning down, placing a gentle kiss upon Ermias' cheekbone and without a second thought, Boogie grabbed ahold of her suitcase in exit of the room.

The hospital was noticeably quiet during this hour. Boogie continued down the various hallways, approaching the front entrance lobby— that is until she was taken aback by a familiar voice. "Hey!"

Boogie turned on her heels to see the Muslim receptionist of the lobby. "Lauren, right?" she questioned with uncertainty.

"Yes, hi." Boogie greeted with a trying smile. "You're leaving so soon. Where are you off to?"

"Yes, I'm finally going home." said Boogie. The receptionist smiled, "Ah, yes. I know this place can feel like a little damper, so good for you."

She continued, "Well, I don't want to keep you. I know it'll be very likely that I won't see your magnificent face again, but for what it's worth and for what you've been through, may Allah bless you." said the receptionist as she pulled Boogie in for a hug.

There was a moment of silence before the receptionist was thanked by Boogie. She continued through the lobby and out of the front entrance doors. Boogie stood along the curb of the sidewalk while traffic entered and exited from the hospital drive through. As she proceeded along the walkway, Boogie waved down a taxi and was soon at her service. The male driver exited from behind the steering wheel to assist Boogie with her suitcases. She entered into the taxi at the back seat, soon followed by the driver.

"Good evening Miss, where to?" he asked while eyeing from the rear view mirror.

"LAX." said Boogie, peering out of the window up at Ermias' room.

The miniature lamp at his bedside was still on.

✗

i just want to say writing this chapter was a little difficult for me... i hope you've all been enjoying the readings thus far. thank you all for your continuous support!

don't forget to follow my newly writer's portal on instagram @novelsbybrunzei for announcements, updates, etc!.