8.44 Looking Out For Me

“Hey Christina! It’s so good to see you. I hope I didn’t pull you away from anything,” Josiah said.

“Nah. I just got home from school a half hour ago. What’s up?”

“Let’s go somewhere else and talk.”

The two cousins went across the street to the park area beside the water.

“How have you been…since…you know,” Josiah asked.

Christina hesitated.

“I’ve been…lost, but…I’m making it,” she said.

“You look well!”

“Thank you. How are you holding up,” she asked.

“I, ummm…I guess I’ve been lost too. I’m just worried about my dad. He hasn’t been doing well at all,” Josiah said.

“I understand. My dad is the same way.”

“Well…that’s kinda what I wanted you to talk about. I was thinking…maybe you and your dad should come live with us. They could keep each other company while we’re gone and talk about our moms to help them through. And then, if your dad…ummm…if something happens, you don’t have to be alone.”

“Oh, I think that would be great, Jo Jo! I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t thought about that. True, I’ll be a young adult in two days, but still. I’ve never been on my own before!”

“Sweet! Then it’s settled. You guys come on whenever you want. We’ll be ready for you.”

“Thank you so much, Jo Jo. It’s nice to have someone looking out for me.”

“I’ll always look out for you, little cuz.”

Rest in peace, Mia & Marli.