Page 32 of Broken By It

How did Maritza get involved?

I have so many questions and no answers.

The dive motel is nothing to brag about. I’ve stayed in worse, but it’s not a place I want my son at.

Rushing in, I don’t bother taking in the people or the place. I see Maritza laying on a bed with Hollis at her side. My heart shatters into a million pieces seeing her laying in her own blood. In what looks like excruciating pain, my son is still her priority, and I’ve never loved someone in a single moment so much. She has tucked him against her and holds him close while a man who I assume is their doctor injects something into the IV they have started in her arm. I knew she was strong, but this is a different level.

“This is just an antibiotic,” he informs. “We don’t know where the bullet is. I don’t know if there is bowel damage and internal sepsis. We really need to get in there, Ms. Castillo.”

“I understand the risks. Do not put me to sleep. Not until his dad is here or Dia comes back. Hollis will not be with strangers,” Maritza explains through gritted teeth. “Please, do not put me under without him having someone here he knows. Do what you can while I’m awake.”

“Zizi,” Hollis whimpers pressing closer. She squeezes her eyes tight probably from pain.

“Keep your eyes closed, buddy. I am gonna be a okay. You have seen more than you ever needed to before you’re even a teen.”

At ten, he’s gone through more than any kid I’ve ever known to watch his mother die. How will I ever get him through this?

“Zizi,” I manage to mutter stepping into her line of sight.

Her face softens, her body visibly relaxes.

“Okay buddy, you can open your eyes, your dad is here.” She kisses the top of his head before he sits up and then jumps off the bed rushing to me.

Her face pales as she looks to the doctor. With Hollis in my arms, she smiles, “okay, do what you need to.”

“No,” Hollis yells leaving me and going back to Maritza. “Zizi, you can’t go to sleep. You can’t leave me.”

It’s only then I glance to my right and see the blood pooled on the carpet. What has my son endured? How can I help him get through this? My mind races as the emotions overwhelm me. Hunter stands beside the puddle smoking a cigarette and watching me. I can’t help but wonder where is Anna’s body? Stone said she was dead. I’m thankful it’s not right here reminding Hollis of what has happened, but damn, that was fast.

“Buddy, it’s okay.” Maritza consoles, “You know how you see the Hellions always takin’ care of each other. Well, this man isa friend of the Hellions. He’s gonna take good care of me. Just gotta get me closed up that’s all. I need you to go with your dad.”

“I love you, Zizi,” Hollis says with tears. “Thank you for coming to get me. I’m sorry you hurt.” He hiccups out a sob.

Tears begin to fall down her face. “I love you more than anything, Hollis.”

She looks to me. She is beautiful even in her pain. No one can ever love my son the way she does.

“I love you,” I whisper. “I love you, Maritza.”

The words aren’t difficult to say. I feel them on so many levels. This woman is the strongest, most stubborn, and absolutely stunning person I’ve ever been around.

She smiles with tears still falling down her face. “He’s seen more than he needs to. Take him out.”

I nod. She’s right but damn I don’t want to leave her.

“Call my sister, she can loop in my parents. Tell her it was kiwi. She will know what that means and it explains why I left. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Dillon.”

I fight back the lump in my throat. “No apologies. You did what you felt right for Hollis. Never apologize for putting him first.”

The doctor looks at me. “She’s lost quite a bit of blood. If you two don’t mind, I’d like to put her under and do my job.”

“Dillon, he needs to eat. I don’t know the last time he ate. And a shower, he probably needs to shower. Go do that and I’ll be waiting to see you when you finish.” Maritza grits her teeth as the pain is overwhelming her.

“Are you sure, Zizi?” Hollis asks.

She nods, “yeah buddy, and I’m gonna be hungry too. See if you can find me a place with the specialty noodles, I like and the boba tea we love.”

Hollis studies her. “You’re gonna be okay?”

---