Page 76 of Stoplight
“This is why I told y’all to pray. The power of prayer can move mountains. I’m so glad my boy is here,” Ruthia whimpered as tears rushed from her eyes.
Seeing her tears of joy prompted a smile to surface on Cali’s lips. Although they didn’t have confirmation that Rio was okay, the doctor didn’t give them any bad news either.
“I’ll be right back.”
Cali walked down the hall and stepped inside the bathroom. She locked the door, got on her knees and pressed her hands together.
“God, thank you for giving me a second chance to get right. I promise I will never betray Rio again if you give him back to me. Keep me from being selfish and make me a better wife. I swear, I’ll never be disloyal again. Amen.”
After a few shed tears, Cali got up and washed her hands. When she stepped back out of the bathroom, Ruthia frantically waved her over.
“We can go in and see him. He’s awake.”
They all rushed in, but Cali stopped in her tracks. There was a cloud of unbelief that was suspended over her head. Although half-open, Rio was awake, but his breathing was very shallow. Despite that, he was no longer trapped in the deep slumber that held his spirit hostage. He was back, not one hundred percent but he was there, and she could only give credit to God.
Slowly, Cali approached the side of the bed. Ruthia showered his face with kisses while Cee patted his shoulder.
“Rio?” Cali said.
It took a while for his lazy gaze to drift to her, but when it did, she smiled the biggest beam she’d ever shown.
“I’m so happy.” She choked back tears. “We’ve been praying so hard for you.”
Rio looked away, seeming to fight the urge to drift back to sleep. Cali grabbed his hand and kissed the back of it. Knowing she had almost lost the husband she’d been unfaithful to was gut wrenching, but she made a vow to herself to be better for him.
For hours, the doctor ordered neurological assessments to see how much damage had been done to Rio’s brain. He had a CT scan, spinal tap, and blood work done. A respiratory therapist was also called to help with his breathing. Rio was so weak that he could barely move his limbs. Cali hadn’t thought about the aftereffects from the coma. She didn’t realize there could be further damage due to him being unconscious for almost two months.
News had spread quickly. Deasia had come after work. Slime came up along with more members from TLM, including Jovanis. As soon as Cali sent the news to her family, they had come along with Irish.
“Cali, I knew Rio was a fighter,” Douglas assured, pulling her in for a hug.
“Yeah, me too.”
“He’s got a long road ahead but I’m sure he’ll be okay with you by his side. I know this was a lot for you, but you showed how faithful you are. Rio is lucky to have you as a wife.”
Cali would’ve relished in her father’s words if it weren’t for the guilt that accompanied her day and night.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“No, thank you for being you.”
He pinched her cheek, causing a goofy smirk to settle on her lips. When he walked away, Irish approached her.
“How you feel, boo? I know this is a relief.”
Cali pushed out a dramatic sigh. “It is but there’s still work to do. He may have some brain damage, especially from the blow to his head.”
“Hopefully not. I’m praying he’ll get back to ordering you around in no time.”
Cali tittered, remembering how Rio always tried to dominate her time.
“Look, I’m hoping that part of his personality is gone.”
“Don't do my boy like that.” Irish laughed. “You know you loved to be ordered around by him.”
Cali’s smile suddenly faded. Her reverie had betrayed her, pushing memories of her lying to Rio to spend time with Braye. It was funny how a car accident and a month-long coma had changed Cali’s perspective. She was wildin’ out back then, without any shame for her actions.
That won’t be the case anymore…
