“I’m sure Jason knew that. He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met.”
“He told me not to worry about it. I guess he sees this a lot with parents who expect their kids to come out of brain surgery the same as they were before, with no deficiencies.” I look over at him. “Is that the right word?”
“Yep.”
“I had to look it up the first time he used it so I could understand what he meant. I cried a lot after I saw that it meant Mateo might have problems for the rest of his life.”
“But at least he’ll have a life, right?”
“Yes. I’ve tried to tell myself that’s what matters but watching him struggle to get back what’s been lost has been hard.”
“I know. It’s been hard for me to see him struggle, and I’m not his parent.”
“I wanted him to have a better life than I had.”
“He does because he has you. You’re making his life better every day just by being there for him. He knows how lucky he is. His eyes follow you around the room. He always wants to know where you are.”
“I’ve seen that, too. Ever since the judge made him spend time with Joaquín, he’s been more anxious than ever. I was so afraid that Joaquín would take off with him or worse… That first night he was over there, I was so scared. Joaquín has cousins in Panama and Mexico. I imagined him taking Mateo and going somewhere that I could never find him.”
“God, that’s awful, Sofia. I’m so sorry you went through that.”
“I cried for hours after Mateo got home, which only scared him more than he already was.”
“Who could blame you?”
“I hate what Joaquín did to Milo, but I’m glad he’s not getting out of jail anytime soon.”
“Milo will tell you it was worth getting shot if it makes things better for you and Mateo.”
“That’s insane. Don’t say that!”
“That’s how he is.”
“Do you think I could see him?”
“Sure. You can come with me when I go in this afternoon. I’m sure there’ll be someone in the waiting room who can keep an eye on Mateo for a minute.”
“If there isn’t, we’ll wait there for you.”
“I’ll go in and see him, and then you can.”
“Okay.” Despite what Nico says, I’m nervous about seeing Milo. The rest of the family has been kind to me after the shooting, but I wouldn’t blame him if he hates me for it. He nearly lost everything because of my ex-husband.
When we get to Mateo’s school, I’m shocked to see Joaquín’s mother standing next to her car in the parking lot.
“What?” Nico asks, tuning in to my discomfort.
“Joaquín’s mother.”
“Is it weird for her to be here?”
“She’s never once been here to pick up Mateo.”
“Is there any chance she’s armed?”
“I don’t think so.”
“But you’re not sure?”