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“I can help make you a plate.”

“Mamá’s taking care of it.” She hitched a thumb behind her as she scanned the backyard. “Abuela made it out after all.” Why did she sound so surprised?

“Doesn’t she look great?” Right now, Abuela sat with Tía Elisa, holding her hand and smiling.

“She does, but that doesn’t mean she’s getting better.” Isa threaded her arm through Mandy’s, linking them together, and pulled her closer.

“I know that’s what you keep saying.”

“Well, Iama doctor.”

“One who delivers babies.” Could she really know about what was going on with Abuela? She could be wrong, couldn’t she? And Abuela could get better.

Isa nudged Mandy with her hip. “And I’m damn good at it too.”

Mandy rested her head on Isa’s shoulder. “I believe it.” Shehad never seen Isa deliver a baby and probably never wanted to, but if there was one thing Mandy knew about Dr. Marisa Jiménez, it was that she was always the best at everything she put her mind to.

“Babe?” Edmund stood behind her, checking the time on his watch. “We should probably…”

Mandy nodded. She wasn’t ready, but even in another five minutes or ten minutes or two hours that wouldn’t change. “Call me if you need anything, okay? We’re only going to be gone a couple of days, so just leave all of this and I’ll help you clean it up when I get back.”

“It’s fine.” The look on Isa’s face said it was anything but, the way her brow wrinkled and the tightness in her mouth.

Mandy pulled her into a hug and never wanted to let go.

“The car is waiting.” Edmund’s voice was gentle. He had been so extra patient and understanding the last few weeks. They had made these plans with his family long before Abuela got sick, and it was so kind of his family to postpone their celebrations so Mandy and Edmund could stay in California for this one. She didn’t even have to ask; Edmund just said his mom insisted.

“Let me just…” Mandy didn’t finish though. She raced over to Abuela and bent down to hug her and give her a kiss on the cheek. Mandy couldn’t leave without saying goodbye until next time. “Te amo mucho, Abuela.” The backs of Mandy’s eyes burned.

“Oh, mija. Te amo mucho también.” Abuela took Mandy’s hand. While she still understood English, Abuela spoke mostly in Spanish these days.

“Estaré en casa pronto, lo prometo.”

Abuela smiled up at Mandy, her gaze shifting to something behind her and back again. “No debí haber metido la pata.”

Mandy tipped her head to the side, trying to understand.

“Amanda,” Edmund called. The look on his face was sympathetic, but they really needed to go; they had a plane to catch.

“Me tengo que ir. Te quiero, Abuela.”

Abuela nodded but didn’t let go of Mandy’s hand. “Hay veces que incluso las ancianas cometen errores.” She squeezed Mandy’s hand tightly in hers. “Lo siento, mija. Perdóname.” Abuela started to cry.

Mandy didn’t know what to do, nor did she know what Abuela was going on about. She’d spoken so quickly; Mandy was still trying to process it. Maybe she wasn’t doing as well as Mandy thought she was.

“Ven, Mamá. Vamos a entrar.” Tía Elisa took Abuela’s hands so Mandy could go.

Mandy’s brows pulled together. “Maybe I should…”

“I’ve got her. It’s okay. She’s had a long day,” Tía Elisa said.

Mandy gave her a quick hug and ran off toward Edmund. But as she sat in the back of the black sedan on her way to the airport huddled in Edmund’s protective arms, Mandy couldn’t get Abuela out of her head. She hadn’t put her foot into anything that Mandy knew of. Nor had she ever been wrong. But the way she apologized and the tears, Mandy’s chest tightened. She pulled out her phone and texted Isa.

Mandy:Please let me know that Abuela is okay.

A few moments later a response came in.

Isa:She’s resting now. Probably all the excitement. Don’t worry.