XII.
A Pretty Envelope
A pretty envelope arrives in the mail. Rosa is mystified, even after opening it. A thank you note signed,
Dr. Eugenia Garofalo.
She reads the note, uncomprehending…
…that my mother should encounter a Spanish lady able to communicate with her has alleviated a burden I took on in bringing her here to a strange place. Much as I love her I cannot stay home with her every day…
Spanish lady? It is evening before she understands. It is the doctor daughter. As Rosa has noted, Spain is as foreign to her as China. As she is clearing away from supper and Laureano is watching Nova, Esmeralda knocks on the doorjamb and comes in the open kitchen door. Rosa sits her down at the table and puts on the kettle for the manzanilla infusion they drink evenings. Her ignorance about S
