Page 118 of Tainted

21

Zara

Life had a funny way of catching up to you. One minute, everything was spiraling, too fast to grab onto anything, and the next, it slowed down. That’s where I found myself now, and I was grateful for the slow mornings that allowed me to drop by and visit Banana Girl before work.

When I reached her room, I overheard a deep male voice asking how she felt.

“I've been feeling good, Doc," Banana Girl said, her voice full of that stubborn determination I know so well. "When do you think I can go home?”

I froze in the doorway, listening in. She had been making great progress lately, but I hadn’t even thought about her coming home yet.

“Well, you’ve been improving quickly,” the doctor responded, flipping through her chart. “But let’s not rush. We still need to ensure everything stays on track, especially after your hospital vacation.”

Banana Girl sucked her teeth, “I don’t see how a ‘lil UTI can keep me here.”

“Because he’s the doctor,” I interjected gently, glancing between them. “We know you’re feeling fine now. We just want to keep it that way.”

The doctor nodded. “Exactly. After a stroke, the risk of infection can increase because of mobility and bladder function issues. UTIs might seem small, but if they’re not managed, they can lead to more serious problems.”

I looked back at Nana, softening my tone. “You’ve come so far, and I don’t want anything slowing you down now.”

Nana scoffed, crossing her arms. “I don’t want to stay here forever.”

“Now I see where Mama gets her dramatic side from.”

“Don’t you make fun of me, little girl. I’m starting to think you want to keep me here.”

“We’re all ready for you to come home, but not until the doctor thinks you’re ready.” She shot me a look that screamed she wasn’t pleased.

“You’re doing great, Ms. Prescott. Home is in the near future, not the rearview. If you’re still doing well in a few weeks, discharge will be an option.”

He paused, waiting for her to respond, but she was pissed. After I thanked him for his patience, he left us alone.

“If I acted like that, you would’ve put me over your knee.”

“Take me home and test it out.”

“See, I got Cow Tales on my way here, but I’m not sharing them with that attitude.”

She cracked a stubborn grin, “It’s the least you can do.”

We enjoyed General Hospital over Cow Tales, which seemed to lift her spirits. It was hard to stalk the clock when Sonny Corinthos was having some stand-off. There was alwayssomething with him, but I held her hand, enjoying our time together until I left for work.

It felt like time was on crack because before I knew it, I was on my way to Utopia. I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car, when I noticed a man standing by the entrance, leaning against his unmarked vehicle. His eyes locked on me when I shut the door, and my stomach dropped.

“Nova, can I have a word with you?” The man asked, walking closer.

"Yes?"

"I’m Detective Jones. Can you come down to the station for a few questions," he said, his tone firm but not aggressive. "It won’t take long.”

I glanced back at Utopia, then at him, my heart racing.

“Questions about what?”

"The murder of Makori Jenkins and Natasha Flowers. We’re just trying to piece things together. You had an argument with Makori the night he died, correct?"

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. I couldn't let him see how shaken I was. "I’m a dancer. It comes with the territory.”

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