27
A Warm Bath
“Zenny, is that you?” My sister’s voice on the phone was pained.
“Sissy, what’s up?”
“Can you come home? Lola died.”
“Oh God! Oh God… Is Mommy OK?” I cried.
“No. You’d better fly home as fast as you can.”
When I reached Honolulu, all the aunties were gathered. Rum breath and cigarette smoke filled the house. “What happened? No one told me she was sick.”
“She drowned,” my sister said flatly.
“What?”
“She was taking a warm bubble bath. You know how she liked to. She told Mommy to leave her alone, that she’d be okay. Ten minutes later, when Mommy checked her, she was floating. The
autopsy said she fell asleep and slipped down. There was water in her lungs. Mommy feels so guilty. Zen, you’re the only one she listens to, talk to her. She’s been locked in her room
alon
