Page 88 of When a Soul Cries

“Zari.”

“Get up.”

She sighed but stood anyway.

I followed her toward the hallway, stopping when she paused outside Halo’s room.

Sol cracked the door open and peeked inside.

I watched her face soften instantly.

That was Sol.

No matter how bad her own world was falling apart, she could look at that little girl and somehow find enough strength for one more minute.

I loved that about her.

But I didn’t want Halo to be the only reason she kept going.

I wanted Sol to eventually want something for herself too.

Maybe that was why Rome didn’t bother me as much as he probably should’ve.

Maybe that was why I’d pushed her out the door instead of giving her one more excuse to stay home.

It wasn’t about a man.

It was about Sol choosing something.

Anything.

Other than survival.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

“We’re gonna figure this shit out.”

She leaned against me.

“You don’t know that.”

“No,” I admitted. “I don’t.”

Then I kissed the side of her head.

“But you ain’t figuring it out by yourself.”

She didn’t argue this time.

And while we stood there watching Halo sleep, I made myself a promise.

I was going to help my best friend get back on her feet.

I was going to make sure that baby had somewhere safe to sleep.

And eventually, I was going to tell Sol the truth.

Even if she cussed me out.