30. Aiyana

Chapter thirty

Aiyana

Thursday, December 14, 2023

I 'm about to head to the cafeteria for my lunch break when I get a text from Kat that has my heart sinking to my toes.

Prior to my dad's diagnosis, messages like this never bothered me, but ever since, I automatically think the worst.

Kat

Call me when you get a chance.

Something about those words in that order always makes me anxious now.

Maybe it's the seemingly countless times I've received a message with those words just before being told my father was sent to the hospital again, or maybe it's just an innate human response, but my thumbs are flying over my screen, calling her as quickly as possible. She answers on the second ring, sounding cheerful. "Hey! I'm sorry to bother you at work, but I have a favor to ask," she tells me quickly, my racing heart leveling out.

"I thought you, of all people, would know better than to send a text like that, Kat!" I shout at her, still a little peeved at the rush of anxiety and adrenaline pumping through my blood.

"Oh god, sorry! I just have a patient who's Cherokee. The hospital's chaplain doesn't have any connections to a shaman who's able to get here today, and she's in rough shape. She'd really like to have one at the hospital. Her family is trying to make it before she passes, but we aren't sure if they'll get here in time, but I'll be damned if she goes feeling alone." Her voice breaks on the line, and my gut wrenches with sadness.

"I'll give my dad a call real quick. I'm sure he'll be able to give me a few names and numbers. Don't worry, I'll have someone down there within the hour," I tell her, knowing my dad will help me make good on that promise.

"You're the best," she says on a sob, and the weight she's carrying makes me want to lift some of it for her.

"Anything for you, babe. I'll call you soon," I tell her, hanging up to call my dad.

He answers before it can go to voicemail. "My favorite daughter!" he says, coughing a few times, and my heart begins to sink again.

" Edoda , could you send me the numbers to the uktena in the area? Kat has a patient who isn't doing well," I tell him in one fast breath.

He's silent for a moment before answering. "Of course, I'll send them to her now." But I stop him.

"Could you actually send them to me? I want to call them all and see if they're available. I'm on my lunch break, and I don't want her to have to worry about it while she's working," I explain quickly.

"Anything for my two favorite young women," he says with the same charm I've loved my whole life.

"I love you, Edoda ," I tell him.

He answers, "And gvgeyui, uwetsiageyv ." I love you, daughter.

He hangs up, and a few minutes later, I receive a text with the name and number of a shaman. I frown at first, worried that he won't be available, but another text comes in.

Edoda

Always taking care of others, let me take care of you this once. I already called, he's on his way to Kat now. I let her know. Eat your lunch.

Tears prick my eyes, and I pull out the leftovers I packed for lunch, eating in silence at my desk.