Tres
The mangos from the tree in Ernesto’s backyard rot on the ground, sweet fodder for maggots and rodents. He can’t remember when he last opened a kitchen cupboard or looked inside the refrigerator. Although food’s always been a constant in his life—something to plan for and look forward to—death has killed his appetite.
Yet Ernesto can appreciate the benefits of his new situation. He saves money by not buying groceries. He saves on utility bills too, since he no longer needs water to drink or wash in, or electricity to power appliances and electronics he doesn’t use such as the television. He’s lost interest in his Spanish-language TV programs, and it seems like a lot of trouble for a one-armed old Cubano to take a shower or wash his clothes. So what if he might stink? Since he doesn’
