Page 126 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

Dr. Shah looked at the monitor, then back at me.

“I can contact him for a consultation. I cannot promise he’s available, and I cannot promise the hospital will authorize him to operate.”

“Just call him.”

She nodded and left the room.

The door closed, and I cried out in moans. “Dear God, please.” I clasped my fingers together, covered Malik’s head with my hands, and prayed.

My phone vibrated in my coat pocket, and my mother’s name filled the screen.

“What did they say?” she asked the moment I answered.

“It’s his shunt.”

She gasped. “Oh no.”

“They have to operate.”

“When?”

“Immediately.”

“Oh, God.”

“I told them to call Elijah.”

“Why not Dr. Hawkins?”

“He’s in London.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Mama, you don’t need to drive upset.”

“I’m already on the way. Have you spoken to your friends?”

I closed my eyes. “I sent them a text.”

“Then they’re probably on their way too.”

“Probably.”

“Is he awake?”

“No,” my voice broke. “Mommy.”

“You’ve been through this before. Remember? Malik is strong. He’s got God on his side. Everything is going to be okay.”

I nodded as tears ran down my cheeks. “Okay.”

“If you don’t believe anything else… Believe that.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

I sat in the chair and leaned against the side of Malik’s bed.

“They’re watching him,” I said. “He has oxygen. His heart rate is steady.”