“I think you should stay up here,” Anna says, sweeping her arm around the charming little room like it’s a grand showcase. “This area is pretty safe because of Wilmar, but, god forbid, if you have to suddenly escape, this room has a secret door that leads straight to the roof—and if that fails, you can just use the window.”
A window...
How long was I stuck in that underground bunker? It’s hard to tell. Time went by like a dream down there. Now, a window sounds like heaven to me.
“This is so nice, thank you,” I offer.
Oscar stirs in my arms and Anna tilts her head with innocent curiosity. “He’s so cute,” she sings. “Oh, but we don’t have any baby food!” Her finger finds her lips as she tries to figure out how to change that. “... I can go out and get some.”
A sharp pain cuts through my chest at the t
hought. Going out to get supplies is too dangerous; it’s what Lady was doing when she was captured...
Before I can express my concerns, Anna perks up. “Oh wait, no! I don’t even have to go far. Marta’s daughter just had a baby, I bet they have loads of extra formula. They’re pretty much hoarders,” she giggles, as if the act of kindness isn’t any big deal. Maybe, in normal times, it wouldn’t be such a grand gesture, but during a violent revolution? I’m ready to canonize anybody who helps me.
It’s funny, I’ve been secluded for so long now that the memory of living in a connected community fills me both with a bittersweet nostalgia and a nerve-racking anxiety. Who can I trust? I remember never having to question that, not back when I lived with Marcela...
Suddenly, another sharp pain shoots through me. I nearly crumple over.
Marcela...
Her cold blue hand still reaches out for help in my nightmares some nights. How many people have suffered because of me? How many more will?
“Marta’s husband actually fought for you at Dante’s wedding,” Anna mentions as she fluffs the sheets on the bed in the far corner of the room.
I’m only half listening. My mind has been transported back to my home town. Happy memories of friends and parties and holidays mix in with the dread of what became of it all. Dark plumes of smoke muddy the good times, and soon all I can remember is the death and destruction.
“I’m sure he would be thrilled to meet the two of you. I think he’s been to one of Angel’s speeches before, but I don’t think he’s ever gotten a chance to...”
“Who?” I ask, suddenly snapping back to the here and now.
“Marta’s husband. Jeison.”
“He fought at the wedding?”
Anna nods.
“He’s... did he... I mean, he still wants to meet...” There’s another question I’m struggling to ask. This time, however, Anna seems to know exactly what I’m getting at.
“He’s fine,” she assures me. “Well, actually, he has a few nasty cuts, but nothing a few weeks of rest won’t fix.”
A sigh of relief escapes my lungs, but the moment it does, I’m reminded of all those bloody white sheets. Jeison might have made it back to his family, but how many others didn’t?
Before I can become too racked with guilt, Oscar stirs awake in my arms.
“Mama,” he smiles and my heavy heart melts.
I smile down at him and gently brush the sleep from his eyes. “Wakey-wakey,” I whisper.
Anna’s at my side in an instant. “Oh, what gorgeous green eyes he has!” she gasps.
Oscar’s gaze is immediately on the new woman. He stares at her with complete wonder, his eyes as wide as milk saucers.
His reaction is completely understandable. Except for Angel, he hasn’t ever met anyone new in the entirety of his short life. Lady, Juan and I have been the extent of his interactions—I can only hope that it doesn’t stunt his growth, social or otherwise.
“Who’s a cute little baby” Anna sings.
Oscar tilts his head to the side, like he’s trying to understand what exactly is happening. This definitely isn’t how Angel greeted him during their first encounter.