Page 160 of Tangled Hearts
“So you’re currently in the nursing program,” the advisor tapped the screen, “but you’re considering pre-med?”
“Not considering,” Knycole leaned forward. “I want to do it. I thought nursing was it, but it’s not. I want to be a doctor.”
The woman looked at from her chest up. “You understand the workload difference, right? More years, more money, more pressure. It’s a big shift and not everyone makes it. Nursing is a slower, easier speed.”
Knycole rolled her eyes. “I get that. I’ve been sitting in these classes knowing I’m meant for more. I don’t want to just help out—I want to lead. I want to make decisions. I want to have a say in people’s lives getting saved. And I can handle it.”
“You’ll need to take additional sciences—organic chem, physics, advanced bio. It means extra semesters, possibly summer courses. Are you prepared for that?”
“Yes.” Her voice didn’t shake. “If I don’t do it now, I’ll regret it later. I’m not scared of the work. Look at my grades.”
The advisor smiled faintly. “I like your conviction. I’ll set you up with the transfer paperwork. You’ll meet with the pre-med director next week.”
Knycole breathed out, relieved and nodded.
She wasn’t used to being this sure about anything. At least not for most of her life. Not about school. Not about herself. But walking out of that office, gripping that manila folder in her hand like it was proof she could start over—something in her clicked.
She was no longer just surviving. She was choosing.
And with Hov no longer in the game, that meant she was finally out too. No more secrets. No more waking up nervous every time her phone rang late at night. No more sitting in class pretending like her hands weren’t dirty while trying to scrub somebody else clean.
Knycole didn’t regret any of it. Wouldn’t take none of it back. That life kept them fed, clothed, safe.
But this new life felt like purpose and new beginnings. Knycole was hopeful for her place in the world. She wanted to show up for underserved communities like hers. Wanted to be someone little Black girls could look up to. Wanted to make Qua proud.
Knycole adjusted the strap on her bag and smiled to herself. She was gonna be somebody’s doctor. And she knew Hov would be waiting at home grinning like she already made it.
They were in such a perfect place. Her heart felt full walking into the house to her two boys.
When she left the building and crossed the lot, her stomach dropped. The empty space where her car should’ve been stared back at her. She froze, eyes sweeping the rows again like maybe she forgot where she parked.
She yanked her phone out and dialed. “Hov?—”
His laugh came through the line before he even spoke. “Why you sound stressed, kid?”
“My car’s gone.”
“I know. I got it.”
She paused, heart thudding against her chest. “You got it?” She repeated his words, confused.
“Yea, I took it for a oil change.” His voice held that cocky ease. “You never keep up with that shit, so I handled it.”
She pressed her lips together, relief sliding through her body. “You coulda told me, Quameek.”
“I’m telling you now. Relax, kid.” Her body shook from his deep southern drawl.
In the background, she heard Qua’s little voice. “Mommy! Dad let me sit in the front when we parked!”
Knycole’s chest softened instantly. “Boy, you better be in the back now.”
“I am,” Qua giggled. “But Daddy let me hold the money for the man.”
Hov laughed again. “He think he my little manager.”
“I am!” Qua shouted.
Knycole shook her head, smiling. “Where y’all at?”
