Page 74 of Rose
“Even though Will and Willow aren’t here to celebrate with you today, they’re celebrating you up there—with the big OG.”
Her sobs softened as he rocked her gently.
“I feel so guilty, Maz,” she whispered. “I made it to another year, while my baby girl didn’t even get to take her first breath in this world. My husband didn’t get another year either. Why did God leave me here and take them? Why is He punishing me like this?”
A’Mazi held her tighter. “He’s not punishing you, Zii. I know it feels like that, like you lost everything. But one day... one day, you’re going to rise out of this and see why. I don’t know why it had to happen like this, but your story’s not over. Your family isn’t gone. They’re just… in a different place now. Will’s probably up there telling every angel it's his wife’s birthday, singing in that flat ass voice he got.”
Ahzii let out a laugh through her tears, the sound surprising her.
“My man voice is not flat. You just mad you can’t blow like him.”
“Okay, okay,” A’Mazi laughed. “Maybe. But I bet Willow is up there dancing all over Heaven’s golden floors, screaming about how much she loves her mommy.”
Ahzii smiled as the image filled her heart. It didn’t erase the pain, but it wrapped around it like a balm.
“I know it’s hard, but don’t shut us out. Don’t shutmeout,” he said gently, brushing a tear from her cheek. “We’re still here. We love you, Zii. I love you.”
She looked up at him with watery eyes. “I love you too, Boobie.”
They embraced again, tighter this time, a reminder that even in the depth of grief, love was still alive—and it was still hers.
“So are these for me?” Ahzii asked, pointing at the cluster of designer bags on her bed.
A’Mazi laughed. “Yeah, but wheremygift at? It’s my birthday too, nigga.”
“You stay talking shit and don’t even know what you’re saying.” Ahzii smirked, disappearing into her closet. She returned with a large red gift bag and handed it to him.
A’Mazi’s face lit up like a kid, not even caring what was inside. “I go first, huh?”
“Yep. Because the oldest goes first,” she teased, emphasizing the sarcasm.
“Boy, byfiveminutes,” she added with an eye roll. “Now hurry up before your girl comes up here and drags us downstairs. Sarai and Sin just got here.Happyto be notified this time.”
“That’s on you,” he shot back, grinning. “You the one gave us emergency access.”
He pulled out the tissue paper, revealing a large, custom painting. His grin widened as he held it up. It was the two of them—faces sketched side by side, separated by a massive rose in the middle, representing their last name.
“This shit hard,” he said, admiration in his voice.
“You better show it off,” Ahzii said, smiling. “Took me months to fit your big ass head on that canvas.”
A’Mazi laughed, still admiring the detail. “It’s going straight in the shop.”
“There’s more,” she added, gesturing to the bag.
He pulled out a new Goyard wallet, a set of accessories for his car, and a bottle of his favorite cologne. His smile turned soft.
“Thanks, Shug.”
“You’re welcome,” she said sincerely. “Least I can do for you having my back since the womb.”
There were no words big enough to describe what her twin brother meant to her. A’Mazi had always been her protector, her person, her constant—and no gift would ever match what he gave her just by being him.
“Your turn,” he said, nudging the gifts toward her.
She reached for the first bag and opened it to find a red Goyard purse. Her face lit up. The next gift was a pair of gray Louis Vuitton cozy comfort slides, which made her chuckle.
“You did good,” she said.
