So instead of taking Huehue up on the offer of using her mirror, I decide to make the trek myself through the streets. It is challenging to walk with two bad legs and the help of a can but I move forward. I think about my life before Milagros. It was so very mundane. I wish I could go back to those moments. To see the love of my life again…I’d do almost anything.
Granted, I could take my own life but Milagros would not have survived alone. I could not be selfish for her sake. Someday I will be traveling to Mictlan, there is no denying it. I have a foot in the grave already. I hope I can leave Milagros in good hands. Perhaps she will be a nun or a doctor. Or married to a good spouse. I do hope she does not struggle with finances or her spirit.
I turn a corner and I notice that people are not looking my way. It’s amazing. I was worried that with my injuries I'd stand out to people. I forget that many of the people in town have their own crosses to bear and do not judge others. It's nice to know that I live among good people.
I see Huehue and Milagros are making a good time. They are far enough ahead not to notice me trailing behind them. Well, I'm certain Milagros can't see me. Huehue is tracking me either by smell or sound or both.
I do hope I smell clean to her. Does she even care? She is very easy on the eyes. Do other men or women look at her in that way? Is her appearance a conscious effort or her actual appearance by nature?
I shake the questions out of my mind as I stop to rest. The physical effort to walk is great but my want to see my little girl off is even greater. I look around me. Nothing has changed since I have been locked away. I guess a little over a month isn't very much. I wouldn't be surprised if his capricious behavior had led to the sun setting in the East instead of the West.
I finally stop outside the church and spot a beautiful lady waiting for me.
“You made it. I began to worry that you had decided to stay at home.”
“I would never have considered it. I'd be here even if it had taken me to sundown."
“You are as stubborn as a mule.”
“You can be pretty stubborn yourself, Huehue.” She tilts her head. I chuckle.
“Well, whatever I do, I do for your sake.”
“I’m sure you do.” I try to wink, but closing and opening my only eye makes it look mundane. “I’m going in to see how she's doing.”
“They’re sitting in the church for their morning prayer.”
“Then let's go in quietly.”
“Here, use my body…"
“For support? I will. Thank you.”
“I’m surprised. Most times, I have to force you, Alvaro, to accept help.”
“Huehue, I'm too tired to put up a fight. So I appreciate the offer because I do need it. Thank you.”
She looks down at her feet, despite not being able to see. “Oh, um, sure. Let's go inside.”
…