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Epilogue
Six months later
Mikel
“Where do people go when they die?” Lyra asked.
Mikel’s heart ached—his daughter knew too soon about death. “I like to think that the good ones become stars, watching over us and keeping us safe.”
“Like in TheLion King?”
“Yeah.” He nodded.
“Where is Mommy’s star?” Lyra asked.
Mikel moved away so that his daughter could take a turn looking at the star he’d lined up in his telescope from the front porch of his house.
“It’s so pretty and bright. Just like Mommy,” she said.
His chest tightened. He pulled the blanket around her shoulders more securely and made sure her hat was covering her ears. It was an unusually cold March night, with only a few clouds in the sky. “Sure is.”
“Show me mine,” she said.
Mikel moved the telescope, searching for the cluster of stars of the constellation his daughter was named after.
“Sorry, baby. Can’t see it this time of year.”
“Awww,” she protested.
“Let’s go in. It’s past your bedtime.”
Mikel picked her up and carried her to her new bedroom that he’d decorated with the solar system. Glowing plastic stars were scattered over the ceiling.
“I love you, Daddy,” she said, snuggling into her blankets as he kissed her forehead.
“I love you too, Lyra.”
“More than all the stars?” she asked.
“Of course.”
He left her door open a crack and walked to the kitchen. As he started clearing away their dinner plates, his phone rang. Mikel wiped his hands before answering it. “Hey, Dre. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Gonna go out and have a drink this weekend. You wanna come?” Andre asked.
“Maybe, but I’m sure Bent would be free if I’m not.”
“As much as I hate to admit it, your brother is a chick magnet. I’ve sworn off female company for good.”
Mikel frowned. “Is that even possible? Aren’t you getting tired of your hand?”
“Fuck you,” Dre snapped.
“No, thanks. I’m good.”
“Some friend you are,” Dre said.
“You want some friendly advice, Dre? Do you really think staying angry at the whole female population is gonna help you move on?”
