Silent wounds

Onika Maraj
Atlanta, GA
May 8, 2023 (mon)

🝮

"Mom, I don't wanna go to school." Kylie complained as soon as I started doing her hair.

I rolled my eyes. These kids had been giving me hell for the past two weeks. Every morning, it was something. If it wasn't Kylie, it was Kayson. And if it wasn't Kayson, it was Kaiden. Being a mother really wasn't for the for the weak.

"You never wanna go to school, anyway. That's nothing new." I simply said.

"Because school is boring." She shot back, crossing her arms. "And I miss mama. She's taking too long to wake up, mommy."

I sighed, glancing at her through the mirror. "I know, baby."

Two weeks had passed, and still nothing. Bey was still in the coma. And the triplets missed her like crazy—I think that's why they'd been acting up a little.

Two days ago, Kaiden and Kayson got into a fight at school because some boys were bothering Kylie. And Kylie ? She ended up fighting another girl on the side because the girl was cheering the boys on, and Kylie wasn't having it.

I had half a mind to ground all three of them, but how was I supposed to punish them for defending each other ? Especially when I knew they were already going through enough ?

Still, I couldn't have them out here fighting every time someone said or did something stupid.

As I finished up her hair, the boys walked into the room, already dressed, bags slung over their shoulders.

"Mom, we're ready." Kayson said.

I nodded, giving them a quick once-over. "Y'all got everything ? Homework, stuff for dance practice ?"

Kaiden sighed. "Yes, mom."

Kayson nodded. "Yeah."

"So, can I go back to practice now ? I feel better." Kylie said, looking at me through the mirror.

I gave her a look. "Didn't we say we were gonna wait for your next appointment with the doctor and then see ?"

"But it's next week." She whined. "Please, mommy. Mama would've let me to go back."

I raised an eyebrow. "Girl, please. She wouldn't even let you think about dancing for at least a moment. Be happy I even let you dance here with your brothers."

She huffed, crossing her arms, but didn't say anything else. She knew I was right.

I smooth my hands over her shoulders. "Alright, let's go get some breakfast before we head out."

We all made our way downstairs, the smell of eggs and toast already filling the air. Lauren was at the stove, flipping pancakes like she did this every morning. She'd been staying with us a lot lately, helping out with the kids whenever I needed it.

"Morning, y'all." She greeted, barely looking up as she reached for the syrup.

"Morning, TT." Kaiden mumbled, dropping into a chair.

Kylie climbed onto one of the barstools, resting her chin in her hands. "Did you put chocolate chips in the pancakes, TT ?"

Lauren smirked. "What kinda question is that ? Of course, I did."

Kylie finally perked up a little, and I sent Lauren a grateful look. She always knew how to brighten their moods, even if just for a moment.

We sat down to eat, the kids mostly quiet as they focused on their food. It wasn't like usual—when they'd be talking over each other, arguing about who got the bigger pancake, making a mess that I'd have to clean up later.