[https://i.imgur.com/2aLuVTa.png]

I slowly walk into the kitchen with the tray of dirty plates, bowls, mugs and silverware. I really can’t work at any other speed while moving from one place to another. I leave my cane by the wall. It's too much of a hassle to carry everything at once. Plus, I’d like to be able to maintain some dignity when attempting to help the landlady.

“Oh dear, you startled me, Senior de Gael!” The beautiful and dainty brunette startles easily.

“Buenos días, Doña Elena. How are you today?” I place the tray on the counter.

“I’m quite well, now thank you, senior.”

“I’m so sorry you were not feeling well enough before, Doña.”

“Oh it's that,” she stutters, “now that you are here.” Her cheeks take on more than the normal crimson hue.

“Yes?” I find myself staring at her.

“Yes What?”

“You said now that I am here,” I remind her. She needs that a lot. To be reminded. “How may I be of help?”

“No, I mean yes. I mean. Um,” she stutters, per the norm. She looked rather nervous. I felt I might have done something to offend her. I reach out for her hand as a tender offering of comfort.

"My apologies Doña Elena. I am not clear on what you may need but please ask of me anything. You have done so much for me…”. She suddenly drops a few items out of her hand as I try to finish my sentence. Back when I was healthy, I may have been able to catch them before they hit the floor. “…and Milagros,” I continue.

“Milagros? Milagros! Yes of course. How clumsy of me. She is such a wonderful girl, you know, um, Milagros.” She began talking very rapidly. It was hard on my one good ear.

“She hasn't been a hindrance I hope. Honestly she means well. If you want me to,” I tread cautiously, using the best words I can think of before…

“Of course not! She is an angel.” Crisis officially averted. I was worried she did something wrong or annoyed the other occupants. “That girl is such wonderful company, I'd be tempted to adopt her myself,” she says warmly. She looked at me with an intense expression It's as if she was insinuating something that was just beyond my level of comprehension..?

“I'm happy, and relieved, to hear that. I cannot thank you enough for letting us stay here in one of your apartments. You are indeed as kind as you are…”

“Single?” She cuts into my dialogues as subtly as a bull in a china shop.

“…beautiful." She gasps as I finish my sentence. She is single indeed, from what I know of her. She can be very private and clearly only trusts a few individuals within her social circle. I don’t mind. I want to be alone sometimes too.. But why would she bring her beauty up into our conversation?

Elena stops. She holds herself perfectly stiff except her lips which quiver intensely. “I’m so sorry. I'm going to step away for a second. I’ll be right back.”

She walks into an adjacent room just off the kitchen and little patio, and I can hear her mumble rather angrily to herself. I begin to think if her words had a second meaning. Out of the corner of my eye I catch my reflection from a mirror hanging by the wall. Sometimes, I wonder how anyone can bear look at my ugly face. I never thought of myself as handsome or good looking. Maybe average? Well, attractive enough to marry a beautiful woman at the very least. But now? I’m embarrassed to be out in the open. I feel so vulnerable. If it wasn’t for Milagros, who knows where I would be hiding, sulking, or if even alive.

Nonetheless I make my way across the room. I failed to notice the warmth emanating from the stove when I first entered the kitchen. It is very inviting. The smells …coming off the various pots and pans are heavenly. I could sit in the room all day and watch the lovely Doña Elena cook and prepare meals, and with luck, sample a dish or two.

A large water filled metal tub lay next to the doorway. I grab a ladle and fill a pot with the same water. I grab the container of baking soda as well. First I’ll boil the water and soak the dishes with a bit of baking soda. I’ll rinse them out into a separate clean tub with cold water. Finally, I’ll dry them off and place them back into one of the appropriate shelves. Well that’s the plan at least.

Doña Elena returns looking more composed and radically refreshed. “You really don't need to do that, Señor…”

“Of course I do. Besides, please call me Alvaro. I would prefer it.” I’ve been here long enough for her to just call me by my first name. I think things would have changed progressively as time went on.

“Um, Alvaro?” She places a hand on her cheek.

“Yes?” Finally. She called me by my name. Why do I suddenly feel hot?

“Please do not feel that you need to wash the dishes.”

“Is this your way of saying that I don’t do an inadequate job?” I joke of course. Well, kind of. Nonetheless, a wry smile appears on my lips. The only good part left on my face, maybe.

“Oh that's not it at all,” she interjects. “It's that you already have so much to do, from deliveries to fixing all those problems around the property. Raising your beautiful daughter on your own on top of it all.”

“It takes a village…”

“Perdon?”

“I mean, I’m not actually raising her on my own. She has so many wonderful people in her life. Like yourself, Doña Elena."

“Just Elena, Alvaro,” she blushes.

I pause in thought. "Yes, you are right. Thank you, Elena.”

“Do you have any plans on taking her to school?” Elena tries to change the subject, but her cheeks look a bit flushed. Perhaps caused by the warmth of the kitchen? “She is a very bright girl and definitely deserves the best.”

“I’d like to, Elena, really I do. She already shows so much interest in the books on your shelf.” I point to the doorway, in the direction of her bedroom. “I’m sorry that Milagros goes in and invites herself…”

“Do not worry. I don’t have anything to hide. She is welcomed to whatever I have. And yes, those books are from my formal life of nobility.”

I’m surprised. “You gave it up so willingly.” I catch myself. "I’m so sorry. I should not make light of your personal history.”

“Do not worry, Alvaro. When I was back in Spain, it was lovely. But it was not enough for me. I moved here to find a new purpose.” She pauses for a breathe. “And a new love.” She whispers the last part to where it's barely audible to my good ear. "How about this. I provide the money to help Milagros register at the school. That includes the money needed to pay for books, clothes and supplies.”

“But Elena,” I plead.

“No peros. You brought her here when you had no one to turn to. She lost her mother and almost you in the process. She is such a lovely child, always sneaking away from your room in the early hours of the morning. She looks outside in awe with the sun rising over the horizon. And she is always ready to help me in the kitchen or whatever I may need help with. She’s quick to learn and I can even leave her to tasks on her own. She is so responsible. I tell you, I wish I could keep her for myself. She will turn out to be a lovely lady.”

“You are very wonderful yourself. I can only hope that Milagros grows up to be like you.”

“Well, let me do this for her. My gift to her and to you. And not something you ever ever ever have to even consider repaying.” This parts hurt my pride a bit. I can’t fathom accepting such a gift.

“This will only make me work harder for you,” I interject.

“No need. You already have me in your corner.”

I could not overcome the urge to hug her. Fortunately for me, she welcomes it.

“Papi?” A voice squeaks into existence. Milagros enters the room to find us embracing.

“What are you two doing?” Milagros holds nothing back.

Elena and I laugh…nervously. “I’m thanking Elena.”

“For what?” Milagros brows provide a clue to what is going on in her head. I’m suddenly very nervous.

“I’ll let your father fill you in. For now, I have some dishes to clean.” Elena turns and shuffles to the stove. She keeps her back to us. She hums a random tune. I try to wink…but with one eye… Milagros smiles but eyes me suspiciously.

…