“I know the new girl now. I’ve heard. I have ears, you know,” his mother said.
He smiled.
“How well do you know, Ma?” His voice was chiding.
“I do not know well, son. Just as what happens always. I do not know much about what’s going on. Unless I hear from others.” The eyes revealed displeasure.
“Mother, I’ve not done anything.”
“Yes, yes, but your father...” And she had stopped short again almost duplicating the suddenness when he had caught her off-balance with the question, “When is the time,
Ma?” And she had not recovered her composure as quickly as then; she turned about and slowly, as though waiting for him to say something, so she could turn back, she proceeded to her room.
Carlos knew she would talk to the Virgin Mother of Consolation in the niche-like altar there.
MARIA CA
