Mama’s baby, daddy’s little man

Jimmy Junior sat next to his mama, listening to Reverend Lucas talk about Jesus, and God and heaven and going home. I want to go home Jimmy thought. But he didnt say it out loud. He wasn't supposed to talk in church. Just sit and listen. To Reverand Lucas. He liked when there was singing. His mama sounded like an angel when she sang. She didn’t sing today though. She just held his hand and rocked. Every once in a while she moaned a little and said, "Jimmy." The first time he jumped (Mama never talked to him in church), and said, "Yes, Mama?" But she just kept moaning and rocking and holding his hand. And then he realized she was calling Daddy. Daddy's name was Jimmy, too. That's why he was Jimmy Junior. He was named after Daddy. Daddy called him his little man. Jimmy Junior sat up tall and smiled. Then he remembered Daddy was gone and wasn't going to call him anything any more. He scrunched his face then balled a fist and pressed it into his eye to keep the tears from falling. He was the man of the house now. He had to be strong for Mama. He promised Daddy. He held Mama's hand a little tighter. She looked down at him, her face softening. "Baby," she whispered as she lifted him onto her lap, holding him close. Jimmy Junior buried his wet face against her chest, wrapping his arms around her.

"Dont't worry, Mama. We're going to be okay," he said, sniffling.

"Yes, baby," she replied, rocking him, "we will."