How It All Started

MALE MEDIC: You’re gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay. Uh, yeah, tell ‘em to order a chest x-ray

TARIQ (NARRATION): I keep asking myself, “Why did it have to end like this?”

TARIQ & TRU (NARRATION): But as with every ending, there is always a beginning. And this is how it started

[*flatline*]

FEMALE MEDIC: I think we’re losing him. We’re losing him!

[*alarm clock rings and radio starts*]

TARIQ: [*yawn*] Damn… I only need five more minutes sleep

[*bedroom door opens*]

MOM: Boy, you better get yo ass up and go to work! I told you ‘bout hanging out late with that “studio” shit when you know you got to go to work in the morning. You better start focusing on getting yo shit straight

TARIQ: Yeah, ma

MOM: Tryna get yourself a promotion and stop that bullshittin’ with yo broke ass. It’s not all about pimps and chickenheads

TARIQ: Yo, shut up

MOM: Better go out there and start politickin’!

TARIQ: Aight, aight, ma! Yo, chill! You know you talkin’ a whole lot ‘bout what you don’t even understand!

MOM: If you were smart, you’d be more like Tru! Now that’s a nice young man!

TARIQ: Oh, my God…

MOM: Got a job and working his way up and all. What the dealio?

TARIQ: What, I ain’t working?

MOM: You better get that ass up now!

TARIQ: Pssh…

MOM: Tariq, I ain’t playing with you! At all!

TARIQ: [*sigh*]

MOM: Don’t forget to pick up your sister from LaMeesha’s house tonight. She’s getting her weave tightened, and I don’t want her walking back here at night by herself. You hear me, boy?

TARIQ: She’ll be good!

MOM: Tariq? Tariq!

TARIQ: Tsk, whatever

MOM: Boy, get yo ass up!

TARIQ: AHHHHH!