I asked what the matter concerned.
She paused.
“I’d rather show you.”
After we ended the call, I became nervous.
Had someone used my identity?
¿Hubo un problema fiscal?
Had I unknowingly signed something?
I called Alfreda.
When I told her the call came from the register of deeds, she grew concerned.
“Mama, that office handles property records.”
“I know.”
“Do you think it’s about the Lockridge land?”
“I have no idea.”
She hesitated.
“Por favor, tenga cuidado. Esos hombres tienen conexiones poderosas”.
Durante dos días, no pude irme.
Luego llegó el jueves por la mañana.
The same day I’d spent cleaning Mrs. Lockridge’s floors for more than two decades.
I woke at my usual time.
Five-thirty.
For a moment, I forgot she was gone.
I lay in bed thinking about our Friday coffees.
About the biscuits.
Sobre su voz familiar.
Entonces recordé la servilleta.
