“I don’t think I can eat,” Sofia says.
“Me either,” I add. “But thank you.”
“I’ll put them in the fridge for later if you’re hungry. How is he?”
“In recovery from successful surgery,” I tell her. “We’re not sure about anything else yet.”
“I’ve got my entire church praying for him, and we’ll continue to pray for as long as he needs it.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, overwhelmed by the idea of people Milo has never met praying for him. We’ll take whatever we can get.
“I can stay to keep an eye on Mateo if you guys want to get some rest,” Gladys says. “If it would help, I can run home, pack a bag and come back to stay with him for as long as you need me.”
I glance at Sofia. She bites her bottom lip as she considers it.
“What do you think?” she asks me.
“It couldn’t hurt, if Gladys doesn’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“I’ll take you to your place,” I offer.
“That would be great. Let me just grab my purse, and then we can go.”
Mateo holds up his empty plate. “Mama, can we swim now?”
“We sure can. Bring your plate to the sink and then change into your suit.”
“Mateo.”
He turns to me, his face serious and solemn.
“What’s the rule about the pool?”
“I can’t go out there unless someone is with me.”
“That’s right, and that’s always the rule. Understand?”
He nods. “Yes, sir.”
“Okay, go get changed, then.”
He takes off as fast as he’s able to, which is pretty fast considering his impairments.
“Swimming is so good for him,” Gladys says as she returns with her purse.
“Do you think we should let Miguel know you’re planning to take Gladys to our building?” Sofia asks.
“Yeah, I suppose I should.” I kiss the spot between her brows where all her stress has landed. “Have some fun with your boy, and when we get back, we’ll get some sleep.”
Not that I think either of us will sleep until we know Milo is going to be okay.
“Please be careful.”
“I will. I promise.”