Renata’s Pink Blanket Led Me Back to the Letter My Parents Buried

“Because I love you,” I said.

“That is the part you can count on.”

She rested her head against my shoulder, but she kept one hand wrapped around the blanket’s corner.

I stayed with her until Carmen called us to the kitchen.

I wanted an explanation before I left the estate, and I wanted it without Renata listening from the next room.

Carmen had set two plates on the counter, though neither of us had asked for food.

She moved a dish towel from one side of the sink to the other, then folded it into a square.