BFF

Copasetic

Corey – POV

I was in surgery.

I could see the doctors all standing over me, their faces tense, voices muffled, and that sterile, awful hospital smell in the air. Was I dead? Was I looking at myself? It felt like some kind of out-of-body experience.

"Wait—John, he's awake!" I heard Dr. Smith shout. "Get the anesthesia up, now!"

Everything faded back to black.

Then suddenly, I wasn't in that room anymore. I was somewhere softer, warmer, somewhere familiar.

"Son," a voice said.

"Mama?" I whispered.

She was standing there, Chrissy, my mama. Her face looked so peaceful, her eyes full of love.

"I've missed you so much," she said, stepping closer.

"Why'd you have to leave me?" My voice cracked like I was still that scared little boy.

She smiled. "Look how much better you're doing now—being with Dave and Tia. You needed to be here."

"But I need you too. I miss you so much."

"I see you got a girlfriend now," she teased with a wink.

"Mama..."

"What? She's beautiful."

"She is," I said, my chest tightening.

"I was sick for a long time, baby. I wasn't getting better. It was going to happen, and I'm sorry I had to leave."

"It's not your fault. I know you were in pain... I'm just glad you're not hurting anymore."

"I'm glad someone stepped in for you."

"Yeah... Moms is amazing. You mad I call her that?"

"Absolutely not," she said, shaking her head. "She's a wonderful mother. She didn't have to love you like her own—but she did."

I looked at her, my heart aching. "Maybe it's my time, since I'm seeing you now. Maybe I'm supposed to be with you."

"Boy, I will kill you myself," she said, folding her arms. "You've got a life to live. Don't worry about me."

"What if the surgery doesn't work?"

"Just focus on staying alive, Corey. The rest will come."

"Mike is back."

"I know," she said with a sigh. "Don't let him work you up. He's not worth it. I messed up by being with him, but you—you were my blessing. That's why I kept you, baby. Because you're going to be great."

"I hate him."

"Hate is a strong word. Look, he's not a real dad—not even close. But you've got a man who stepped up for you. That's who matters. And if I catch you disrespecting them again, I will come down and tear into you myself."

"I wish you were still here."

"I am," she said softly, pointing to my chest. "Right there."

"Is the surgery gonna work?"

"I'm not telling you. Just keep fighting. You got this."

"I love you, Mama."

"I love you too, son. You are my greatest blessing. My proudest accomplishment. Being your mama was everything to me. I'm sad I couldn't stay longer, but I'm happy I'm not in pain anymore."

Tears spilled down my cheeks. "You were an amazing mother... a gentle soul... and I'm thankful for you every single day."

She grinned. "Now go give them hell at Duke." Then she winked—and just like that, she was gone.