“No, baby, call Mama first and then call the cab.”

Hearing the tone in Maggie’s voice, it dawned on me that maybe something serious was happening, and reaching for the phone I wondered what Mama’s reaction would be. I dialed the number and then on the first ring I heard Mama’s soft Cajun drawl saying, “Hello?”

“Hey, Mama, this is Jim.”

“Oh, Mister Jim, are you callin’ Mama about your journey, child?”

“Uh no, Mama. Maggie asked me to call you because we are going to the hospital to see the doctor. Maggie says that Layla has turned, and she wanted you to know.”

I heard Mama sigh on the other end and then she said, “Oh, that baby Layla, she’s just showin’ off now. Don’t you worry, everthins goin’ to be just fine. Don’t you worry, Mr. Jim, everthins just fine.”

“Oh okay, Mama, thanks. I’ll tell Maggie what you said.”

I heard a little chuckle from Mama and then she hung up the phone.

Calling the cab, I yelled to Maggie, “Let’s get going. I’m calling the cab and, oh, Mama says everything is going to be fine.”