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Tubes.
And a promise of death.
I inhale deeply. Force a smile. “I have to thank Nurse Ina for taking such good care of you.”
“She says she can take good care of all of us because Lucas takes such good care of her. She says love has a habit of spreading around. Did you know that? Do you love like that?”
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “But I know I love you.”
“And Aunt Lana?”
I hesitate. “Aunt Lana too. But in a different way.”
“Not the way Nurse Ina loves Lucas?”
“No, Pumpkin.”
She nods. “Then you should go to Make It Marriage and find someone to love like that. They give out love over there. I’m sure they can find some for you.”
“Wait, you know about Make It Marriage?”
She bobs her head. “I know all about the match-mingers.”
“You mean matchmakers?”
“Right.” She smiles broadly, revealing a missing tooth. “I know Kayla. She’s the Boss Lady. She’s very serious but very kind too. And she’s always looking out for everybody.”
“Okay…”
“I know Venus. She’s a lot of fun, but Nurse Ina says she tells too many adult jokes.” Steph makes a face. “Can you tell me an adult joke sometime, Uncle Brogan?”
“Absolutely not.”
She shrugs and keeps on going. “I know the third match-minger.”
“Matchmaker.”
“Her name’s Amina. She’s a very strong woman. She believes that black girls have magic.” Steph gasps. “Did you know that?”
“I did.” I chuckle.
“There’s another one too. Nellie.”
“Hm…” I remember Nellie. The day I moved back to the city, Lucas called me, frantic, asking for help getting her out of jail. By the time I got there, the problem was already solved.
“Nellie’s new. She isn’t sure what she wants to be yet. Nurse Ina says she’s figuring herself out.”
“Nurse Ina is very… thorough.”
“Oh yeah, she’s awesome.”
“So I gather.”
“She’s the only nurse who listens and talks to me like I won’t break if you stare at me too hard.”
“Steph…” My heart pangs.
“I’m ten years old. I’m not a baby. I feel very grown up. Nurse Ina said I’m mature for my age.”
