Ty

 

Since he was leaving at six in the morning, Ty had to take a Lyft from the hotel to his mother’s home in Buckhead. It wasn’t just any home. She lived in one of the most expensive assisted living facilities in Atlanta. Ty was sure that Tyler Perry had a home somewhere nearby. Nothing was too good for his mother, she was a queen. With his father gone, he was the only man she had to depend on and he did not waver in his duty. He wished he could’ve taken care of her himself after her stroke, but his skills weren’t proficient enough to provide the level of care she deserved. Her heartache and grief had overtaken her body. She’d missed his father so much she’d barely been able to go on. The lack of answers the military had given them did damage. They’d needed to know how he died, they’d both wanted his father’s body. With an empty casket and a slew of unanswered questions surrounding his death, it had left his mother wondering if her king could possibly return. They had no body, so they had no proof. Therefore, his mother had no closure.

“Son, you’re sixteen. You are a man. In my father’s village you’d be married already with two wives.” His father laughed joyfully when Ty made a horrified face. “I understand, son. One queen is enough. I leave you my special gem for you to protect while I’m away. I know I leave her in capable hands because you are my son and your mother is the only woman that holds your heart until Allah sends your queen. Inshallah (if Allah wills). Protect her with your life. And if she needs it, son. If it ever comes the time… provide her with comfort and peace.

Ty’s chest ached any time he thought of his father. He remembered that day as if it were yesterday. His rite of passage. Another milestone in his manhood. A test of endurance and survival. At sixteen years old he’d hiked one of the most challenging valleys in the country. That trip to the Canyonlands in Utah had been one of the best times of his life. His father had let him navigate the entire time and when he’d gotten them through that deadly maze safely, twenty-nine days later, the look of pride his father had given him would be forever branded into his memory. He’d been a good son to him, so he was able to mourn in a healthy way.

He watched out of the window as his driver flew down I75. The cracked streets and dilapidated neighborhoods of the south side turned into freshly paved roads, thriving communities hidden behind ten-foot privacy fences and booming businesses on the north side, where everywhere was a tourist attraction. It was a part of the city that was cared for and catered to with lush landscapes, museums, and culture-filled eateries. It was where the rich and affluent resided. Ty paid an astronomical amount a year for his mom to live there, when there were plenty of other senior facilities that were a lot cheaper.

He knew all about those other assisted living homes and none of them had given him the feeling of comfort or peace. He’d visited many senior homes and he’d been appalled at the treatment of elders. Places where the residents were treated like annoying patients. Lazy nurses who ignored call bells. Unclean rooms where they put two, and sometimes three people to maximize on cost. His mother had her own condo within the huge community. No one was permitted to enter her private residence without his permission, only the onsite physicians and nurses, his mother’s only sister, and she had two sweet ladies she liked to do activities with who would come and pick her up, they were allowed as well. No one else and certainly no male visitors. Since most of the maintenance men were male, Ty only allowed for service calls when he was there. These were his mother’s wishes, as well. So he honored them.

Ty’s Lyft dropped him at the security booth outside the gate of the Summerset Senior Living Community.

“Good morning, Mr. Thomas,” Ty said.

“Tyrell. Usually don’t see you this early. How you been?” The long-time security manager asked him, while still checking Ty’s ID after six years, because there was no bypassing protocol, ever.

“Right. I got a new job and the hours are demanding. Just wanted to make sure my mom was good, first.” Ty signed the visitor’s log.

“I’m sure she is. Probably looks absolutely beautiful today.” He smiled.

Ty’s hand froze signing his last name. “Meaning?” He asked seriously.

“Meaning,” he stressed, “That the ladies are always in a good mood after spa day. They strut like peacocks on the grounds with their new hairdos and colorful toes. I haven’t seen your mother yet, though.”

His mom did like to take advantage of the beauty shop inside the facility, but she didn’t flaunt herself. She continued to keep her hair covered and dressed conservatively. Ty scribbled the date and time and took his badge. “Have a good day, Mr. Thomas.”

“You too, Tyrell. Good luck on the new job.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Ty started his long walk across the immaculate grounds. It was early and quite cold but there were still a few residents sitting on the restaurant patio amidst heat lamps, and fire pits, sipping steaming beverages. Buildings sprawled across the six-acre property. His mother’s residence was in the west wing, just beyond the rose garden. He’d be glad when he could walk her around the property again, she loved the fresh blooms in the spring. It was just too frigid for her to be out today. He’d sit with her in the entertainment room or have the restaurant’s chef prepare them something to share. He lightly tapped on the door of her single deluxe suite and waited for her to give him permission to come in. Instead of his mom answering, her nurse—Lisa—opened the door. She had her gray and blonde hair pulled so tight into her bun, it looked like she’d had a face lift.

“Ty! Hey sweetheart. It’s good to see you. I just finished setting up her breakfast. She requested to dine in her residence today. Are you joining her? I can send for something for you?”

“No, Lisa. Thank you.” Ty stood in his mother’s entranceway. “How’s the start of her week been?”

“She’s been great. Eating well and even socializing a bit yesterday evening. We had a few members from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra set up in the dining hall yesterday to play while the residents ate. It was so lovely.”

That’s why he paid the big bucks here. His mother deserved nothing less.

“They were back again?” Ty smiled. His mother adored classical music, just as his father had. He was so glad to hear she’d experienced it.   

“Yes! I know, right? They love volunteering here. I think they’re even talking of performing at our I could’ve danced all night annual senior’s ball. Your mother skipped the last year but I’m adamant about her going this time.” She beamed. “She’d be so beautiful in a gown.”

“Yes, she would,” Ty said softly.

“You’re never too old to get all gussied-up, right?”

“Of course not. Thank you for your help this morning, Lisa.” Ty appreciated that Lisa did most of his mother’s housekeeping as well. He wanted the least amount of people in her home that he could manage. It was what she’d been used to and it was imperative he keep his mother accustomed to the lifestyle she’d always lived. To respect his father. And it was also a way that she continued to honor him.

It was a blessing that his father taught him the importance of properly managing his finances and being ever mindful of his credit. Much of his father’s SGLI—his military life insurance—went to his mother’s residential fees and to pay for Ty’s two years of college. The survivor’s benefits continued to pay for his mother to live comfortably, but not enough for him, too. The policy his father had left for him was in the bank accruing interest. He had a master plan for that money, one he’d already set in motion. For now, he’d stay in low-income housing until he was set, if that was what was necessary for his mother to have the best. He was a man. He didn’t need much.

“Blessed morning to you, mother. You look beautiful.” He bent and kissed her forehead. The first words to her were always a heartfelt greeting and a compliment.

At fifty-five she was still a gorgeous woman. The minor stroke she’d had caused her to have lingering weakness in her left hand, and minor difficulty with balance. She also wasn’t able to walk for long distances. However, her face was unblemished, even her fair complexion hadn’t yet been touched by age or illness. She wore a long-sleeved, floral dress with a perfectly matching hijab. “Did you make this recently?”

His mother’s smile rivaled the sunshine as she reached up to casually touch the intricate stitching. “Yes. I made it last week, just finished it over the weekend.” She sighed as she rubbed her left hand. “I can’t make them as fast as I used to.”

“It’s amazing.” Ty said as she put a small piece of melon in her mouth then took a sip of her green tea.

“Thank you, son.” She pushed around some of the scrambled eggs on her plate then looked back at him, scrutinizing his wardrobe. “May I ask why you are dressed so darkly on this lovely sunny day?”

Ty adored the way she spoke. Always had. So delicate and considerate. Never took a harsh tone with him, “I have a new job.”

“Oh.” She placed her fork down and picked up a piece of turkey bacon. She didn’t question him, leaving it his decision to tell her more.

He wouldn’t go into details yet. He was still in training, so nothing was concrete. But he was adamant he’d make it solid. This could be a position that would set him straight for the rest of his life. A career. Brian also held the key to his family’s closure, so he’d stick to the man like white on rice. Ty was going to see this through. He’d continue to follow his father’s instructions through his most trusted brother-in-arms. Even though he was twenty-eight years old, Ty still craved the guidance of wiser men.

“Yes m’am. It has demanding hours, so I may have to come at unusual times for the next few weeks. Like at the crack of dawn.”

She smiled at him, “Early to bed and early to rise…”

“Makes a man healthy and wise,” he and his mom finished together. He gave her a deep laugh that he knew sounded like his father’s.

“Your father loved rising with the roosters.”

“And quoting Benjamin Franklin,” Ty added, making his mother laugh fondly at the memories.

After his mom had finished eating, Lisa came in and removed her tray and quickly washed the couple of dishes. His mother wasn’t up for visiting the recreation wing, so instead he stayed with her in her room and took care of a few minor repairs, to avoid having to put in a maintenance request. When he’d finished tightening the leg on her coffee table and changing the bulb in her bathroom, he sat next to her with his arm around her while she read her bible.

She never asked him about his faith, seeming to understand his reasons for leaving the Nation of Islam, and he was glad for it. His decisions were his own and he couldn’t be swayed. He felt her disappointment in that, whether she’d ever voice it or not. His mother had always understood that a person had to create their own destiny and follow their heart. Like she had. A Christian woman with Islamic principles.

When he left, he kissed her forehead and told her he’d be back in a few days. He’d hoped. He’d make a way.  He’d keep her consoled and in peace. His unbreakable promise.

When his Lyft pulled up in front Duke’s building at half-past eight, Ty’s mood immediately turned in another direction. Friendship. Kell was standing at the entrance in his cloak and dagger apparel, waiting for him.