Free Precious Stones by Darrien Lee

air.”
    Marion picked up his cup of coffee and headed toward the patio doors.
    â€œWhere are you going?” Valeria asked as she prepared breakfast for her granddaughter.
    â€œI’ll let you two have a moment. I’m going to take Target out for a little walk around the backyard.”
    Valeria turned her attention back to her son, looking him up and down. “Why are you fully dressed so early in the morning? Where are you going?”
    Marion laughed as he closed the door behind him, knowing his wife was going to give their son the third degree.
    Ramsey placed Neariah in her high chair, sat down in the chair next to her, and said, “I had to run an errand.”
    His mother sat down across from him and set his cup of coffee in front of him. She stirred the bowl of cereal for Neariah and asked, “What kind of errand did you have so early in the morning?”
    Ramsey looked over at his mother and gave her a look to let her know that she was prying a little too much for his taste.
    â€œWell, excuse me for asking,” she said as she held the spoon of cereal out to Neariah. “You and Keilah need to let Neariah stay with us more often so she’ll get used to us.”
    He leaned back in the chair and took a sip of coffee and said, “When she gets a little older, we will. Right now neither one of us can stand being away from her for too long.”
    Valeria pointed at him and said, “I’m going to hold you to it.”
    Ramsey finished off his coffee and asked, “Is Keilah up?”
    â€œNot really,” she answered. “She brought Neariah into the room to change her, but I told her to go back to bed and I would take care of her.”
    He stood and said, “I’d better go check on her. I’m sure Sabrinia and Aunt Judy will be getting up shortly to start cooking. Do you want me to take Neariah back upstairs with me?”
    â€œShe’s still eating. I’ll bring her up to you if I have a problem.”
    Â 
    Across town, Michael felt like he had lost track of time after being held in captivity for so long. He had had a comfortable night at the hotel, but he was anxious to get his life back and sleep in his own bed. He needed time to readjust to his military and personal world. He would start with his personal life by staying at his town house. The hotel was nice, but there was nothing like home. He asked the taxi cab driver to take the scenic route home to drive him by some of his favorite landmarks of D.C.
    When he finally arrived home and entered the foyer, it smelled clean and like fresh flowers. He knew his aunt and uncle had spruced up the place before his arrival, and he was thankful they had maintained it and had handled all his bills and business in his absence. In the kitchen he opened the refrigerator to find it fully stocked with all his favorite foods. As he made his way into the family room, he noticed a slight chill in the air and turned on the gas fireplace before heading upstairs. He propped his bag against the wall, sat down on the side of the bed, and hung his head. It felt strange to be sitting in the room, which held so many memories, some good and some very bad. A lot of people had been hurt in that room physically and emotionally, and he wanted to make amends since he knew firsthand how short life was after nearly losing his own. He picked up the telephone and dialed his uncle’s number. As he waited for him to answer, a sense of calmness overtook him and he was immediately energized.
    â€œHello, Unc. It’s Michael.”
    â€œMichael, I’m glad you called. Are you settling in okay?”
    â€œYes, and I appreciate you guys cleaning the place for me and stocking the fridge with food, but I need a huge favor.”
    With concern in his voice, Malcolm said, “Sure, nephew. What do you need?”
    â€œI need the name and number of your friend that’s a real estate agent. I want to sell my town