Page 1 of Forbidden Moon
Prologue
KALAMAZOO MI, TEN MONTHSago
Country music played softly on the radio as Rascal James (RJ) Wilson made his way home from work. The duties of a DNR agent were many and varied—some more satisfying than exciting. Today’s victory brought both, along with a commendation from his superiors. He’d been in the right place at the right time and caught the poachers they’d been after for months. Along with ending the week on a high note, his mother’s text earlier in the day indicated she would be waiting for him at home, busy cooking up one of her delicious dinners.
She worked long hours in the salon bearing her name and usually got home late. Though business was good, RJ couldn’t convince her to take time off for herself. She’d been feeling poorly of late, and he pleaded with her to slow down a bit. Perhaps his admonishments finally paid off. It would be a treat to start the weekend with a great meal and a bit of celebration with his Ma.
####
LOTTIE WILSON WATCHEDout the front window as her only child arrived home. He looked dashing in his uniform, and her pride swelled at all he’d accomplished. First, a bachelor’s degree and now a good-paying job with the state, looking after the rich natural resources of Michigan. He bore a striking resemblance to his father at moments like these, though her son was only two when he died and never knew him.
Rascal became Lottie’s entire world, and together they’d met life head-on. The smart, industrious, independent young man she’d raised alone was poised for a prosperous future. She, however, wouldn’t be there to see it. The initial shock from her doctor’s diagnosis left her reeling yet unnaturally calm. She refused to spoil supper with sad news and locked away the tears until they’d finished their meal.
####
STUNNED, RJ SIMPLYcouldnotbe hearing what his mother just told him.
“Stage-four breast cancer? What does that mean, Ma?”
Like always, Lottie gave her son the unvarnished truth.
“It’s already spread through my body, baby. Doctor Burroughs says I only have a few months—maybe until the end of the year.”
RJ reached out to hold his mother’s hand, tears threatening to spill.
“Can’t they do something? There must be some kind of treatment! We have to fight this, right?”
Lottie shook her head, a sad smile on her beautiful face.
“It’s too late, son. They could try a few things to prolong my life, but I would be very sick, and it might not help at all. This way, you and I have some quality time together, and I can put my affairs in order. I refuse to leave a mess behind for you to clean up after I’m gone.”
RJ burst into tears, wrapping his arms around the one person he loved most in the world. She’d always been there—every scraped knee, school event, and birthday. She’d encouraged his love of nature, playing nursemaid to an endless string of bugs, birds, and stray cats. It was she who guided him through the treacherous teen years, gave him the dreaded sex talk, and taught him how to be a Black man in a white world. She’d worked hard to pay for his education and proudly placed a copy of his diploma in the salon for all to see. What was he going to do without her?
Lottie’s resolve eventually crumbled as they wept together, too distraught for words. Her biggest regret was leaving RJ all alone in the world. There were no other relatives to watch over him, rejoice in his successes, or share the holidays. There was no one special in his life to love him the way he deserved. She couldn’t change any of that, but therewerethings she could do to make his life easier.
####
WITHIN A WEEK OF HERdiagnosis, Lottie approached Rosa, her most faithful employee, with an offer to purchase Lottie’s Locks—the salon she’d built from scratch following her husband’s death. She also drew up a will and put Rascal’s name on everything she owned: house, car, investments, bank account, insurance. He’d have no trouble with lawyers, probate, or finding the cash for her funeral expenses. Afterward, with careful management, he’d have a comfortable life and a sizable nest egg.
On her good days, she cracked open the recipe box and taught RJ how to make his favorite dishes. They discussed nearly every subject under the sun while chopping vegetables, boiling pasta, and baking bread. Lottie talked about her youth and how she met RJ’s father, his service in the army, and the training accident which killed him. One day, she asked her son point-blank why he never dated or brought a handsome young man home to meet her. RJ blanched.
“How did you find out, Ma? I thought you’d be disappointed if I told you.”
Lottie laughed, patting his cheek.
“Honey, mothers knoweverythingabout their kids. I wanted you to come to me when you were ready, but we’ve run out of time. I don’t love you any less; I just want you to be happy. Promise me not to settle for second best. You deserve someone who will love you so much it hurts. He’s gotta be crazy about you from the start, and if you don’t feel the same, then it’s not meant to be.”
RJ wrapped her in a hug and kissed her cheek. In hindsight, his worst mistakes happened when he ignored his mother’s advice.
“All right, I promise, and I’m going to tell him all about you someday. Only the good stuff, of course...”
Lottie gave him a knowing wink.
“You do that, baby. You do that.”
####
BY LATE FALL, LOTTIE’Sbad days outnumbered the good and RJ hired a full-time nurse’s aide to stay with her during the day. Eileen fixed meals, made sure she took her medication and helped her bathe and dress when needed. RJ spent all of his off-hours at her side, reading her favorite books, fixing the chamomile tea she favored and discussing current events.
