Bria came over, positioning her purse strap over her shoulder. “My bro gave me a smirk, so you know that made my entire night.”
Cali beamed. “Yeah, he’s showing a bit of his personality.”
“Well, I gotta get home to the boys. Lo is calling, asking when I’m leaving. You know that’s code word for it’s time to bring my ass home.”
Cali and Bria shared a laugh, knowing how impatient her husband, Lo, could be.
“Yeah, sis, get out of here before he pull the fire alarm and have the whole hospital in the parking lot.”
“Girl, fuck you.” Bria laughed then gave her a hug. “I’ll come back tomorrow after I drop the boys off at school.”
“Okay.”
“Bye, Irish,” Bria said before giving her a hug.
Cali went toward the corner, watching everyone dote on Rio. She didn’t realize how loved he was until this accident. Or maybe she was so wrapped up in her infidelity that she hadn’t realized she had a good man in her life. Now that she had been granted a second chance, Cali planned to be the very best wife to her husband.
One week later…
The progress Rio had made had been astounding. Still suspended in disbelief, Cali watched Rio work with the physical therapist, trying to gain some motor skills. He was weak, not having much energy most of the days but he was trying to recover. Although they were still in the hospital, Cali felt better knowing he was fully awake. The doctor notified her that there was some small damage to his brain, which was why there was a delayed response at times when he was asked a question. He was still Rio but just a bit slower in his responses.
“You got it, son,” Ruthia encouraged him as he attempted to grab the tennis ball in front of him. “There you go.”
Rio picked it up but lost his grip soon after. A sharp breath expelled from his nose. Frustration covered his features, making his jaw clench.
“It’s okay, babe.” Cali rubbed his arm. “This stuff takes time.”
“You're improving,” the physical therapist added. “You have to be patient with yourself. You haven’t used these muscles in close to two months. There will be some weakness and resistance.”
Rio didn’t respond. Instead, he sat back on the bed, looking forward. The physical therapist collected everything she had brought with her.
“I’ll be back tomorrow at the same time, okay?”
Cali nodded. “Thank you.”
The woman walked out the door as Ruthia adjusted the blanket that covered Rio’s legs.
“Are you hungry?” Cali asked him.
He shook his head.
“Okay, I’m going to go down to the cafeteria to get some snacks. You sure you don't want anything?”
“…No, I’m straight,” he rasped.
“I’ll go with you, Cali. I could use some hot tea.”
Cali and Ruthia walked out of the room together. Traveling down the hall, she noticed a Black man step off the elevator. He was dressed in a standard suit. The spice of his cologne hit her senses as he passed her by. Before Cali could step on the elevator, she spotted him knocking on Rio’s door before entering.
“Who the hell is that?” she mumbled to herself.
Her first thought was to go back and see who it was but before she could do it, Ruthia’s voice distracted her.
“Come on, Cali.”
Reluctantly, she stepped on the elevator, experiencing a nagging feeling that she couldn’t shake. Now that Rio was out of his coma, she wanted to be a part of his every waking moment.
“Chile, this hospital has truly turned into home.” Ruthia chuckled.
