Who We Are.

CNN

When we get home, I sit on the couch and grab a thick book from the nearest bookshelf. Reading hurts my brain but I keep going - I want my brain to heal and get stronger fast. As fast as possible. I dive into a story about a girl who is managing her life in high school and her problems at home. Her name is Nini, but I think her name should be Oniye or Hope because I think about how this is exactly like Oniye and Hope act - like high school is great and they party so much that they never want to go home. Oniye's parents can be strict sometimes but most of the time, she gets her way. Hope's parents are Hope's biggest fan. They give her everything she wants - for Christmas, last year she got a dog and a car! I got a new toothbrush from my parents and I was satisfied. They are more of social butterflies and I am that loner - the one that would probably be "successful in life". Something my mom would say very often. I think about all the times I spent with them and when they are talking about real things like grades, projects, or community events. Those times were so rare and I cherished them. I was so deep into my thoughts, I don't hear the beginning of the argument but I only start to get up when I hear their voices rise. I endure the burning pain in my left arm and brain as I find Miracle and take her to the kitchen. I could barely feel my legs, let along move them so it took me a good 5 mintues to make it to where my parents were even though before the accident, I could make it there in a minute flat. My parents were in there - screaming about something. They noticed that we walked in but kept  going. I peek my head into the kitchen and grab a banana from the fruit stand that was in the corner of the room. I grab a cup of water and sit down slowly. Miracle hops into my chair as we watch.

"Thomas, we have to go! The nearest hospital is too far from here," she replied - her voice cracking. My dad grabbed my plastic cup full of water and threw it across the room. My dad got out of jail for "good behavior", but I wonder how many sides the warren saw of my dad. My dad looked bitter. He sucked in a breath and started, "No. We can't leave everyone in this neighborhood to die or go to jail. It isn't right." My mom looked hurt and offended, "The neighborhood isn't our responsibility. We have to take care of us first. So I'm going with Miracle and Chimamanda whether you like it or not. We went to hell while you in jail. I think it's time."She scrunchs up her face into a contorted frown and starts to grab all the things that we had bought. My mom had bought specifically. When he saw that he would be left with nothing, not even the mini bar that he is in love with, he stops her. Dad looks like he was about to cry for the first time in his life. I'm not even sure if he cried when he was a baby. "We can't! I waited 8 years to see all of you and now you just want to leave? It's only been a few months. Come on. Give me another chance. I'll go with you." He was so greedy - I was immediately stricken with compassion for my mom. She was married to such a horrible man. She tapped a finger against her ring finger and just nodded. She turned around and quietly said good night. I heard the small brown wooden door click and I could see that she had locked the door from the inside. I smiled, knowing that dad would be foced to sleep somewhere else tonight. He sighed and rubbed his wrinkly forehead. A few seconds after she left, Miracle and I pounced at my dad with questions.

"Where are we going?" Miracle said - looking all excited. Dad didn't respond so I just grabbed on to Miracle and carried her back into her room, my legs wobbling. She was asking questions that we didn't know the answer to. Where are we going? I went back to the living room, too lazy and deprived to walk all the way upstairs. I turned off the TV and snuggled into one of the throw pillows there. 

Sleep didn't come fast. I woke up again at three A.M and reach for the remote. When I turn on the TV, I see that the channel is stationed on a local newscasting channel. It may not be as good as CNN or ABC World News but I still listen to what they have to say.

"This pandemic, or more commonly know as COVID-19, is hitting some area harder than others. Poorer neighborhoods, such as Redwood are very populated, but not wealthy enough to get proper funding for things like PPE, or personal protective equiment. Taxis and buses are not being cleaned daily or even weekly and in Redwood, it is a luxury to even have enough money to pay for the bus or a taxi, let alone buy there own car. We sat down with a nurse from a hospital in Redwood. He would prefer to keep his face and hospital name private because of the risk of being fired." My ears perk up at the mention of "hospital in Redwood". What it was Nurse Tanor? When I hear his voice, I can immediate tell it is not him. He had a scruffy voice, it sounded like he had a cold. I sighed and turned of the TV. That's enough news for one night. I punch my pillow to rearrange the features. Then, I fall alseep again.