Chapter 52: Friend, Part 3

A moment later, Markesha walked in, standing in the doorway.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Pops said, trying to keep the mood light, but knew full well what she had been through. "Go ahead and take a seat and we'll get you a cup of coffee."

"Thank you," Markesha replied sheepishly, then added, "but I can get it myself … if that's okay?"

"Help yourself," Pops said, gesturing toward the coffeemaker. "Make yourself at home." Then, Pops snickered. "Besides, around here if you wait to be waited on, you might die of thirst!"

Everyone laughed as Markesha gave him a weak smile, then poured herself a cup of the black liquid, and took the empty seat next to me. Everyone talked amongst themselves, working out the details of the plan, when I leaned over to Markesha and quietly asked, "Are you okay?"