“Jimmy . . . wake up, Jimmy.”It wasn’t his father. And it wasn’t the reverend. But another man was telling him to wake up. He didn’t want to. The bed was warm and his throat hurt. He was tired of his throat hurting.“Miss Porter, maybe if you came over here and spoke with him. He doesn’t want to wake up for me, but his eyes keep fluttering.” The man’s voice stopped.Then he felt a kiss on his forehead. “Hey, sleepyhead. It’s time to wake up.” Miss Lillian’s voice washed over him. He tried to open his eyes.Everything was blurry at first, but when the haze cleared, there she was. Right above him. Smiling.“There’s my big guy.” Her smile got even bigger. “The operation is all done. And the doctor said you did great. So in a few days, you’ll be feeling all better.”He nodded.She leaned in and hugged him. “I love you so much, Jimmy.”That made him smile. She loved him and hugged him just like Mama used to.The man came back—he must be the doctor. “How are you feeling?”Jimmy looked to Miss Lillian.The doctor chuckled.
