“Anyway, we’ve been so busy I forgot to mention it to Tía and Tío. It’s a good thing because I was right!”
“Oh,” is all I can say.
“I’m glad I didn’t worry them for nothing.”
“Thanks,” I say before hanging up.
I’m quiet at home, thinking.
“How was your day with Tío Diego?” Papi asks.
“Um … okay.”
“His neighbor Felicia told us the firefighters went over there today,” Mami says. “Probably some kids playing with the alarm.” She shakes her head.
“It’s a good thing you were there to help him,” Papi says.
“I wasn’t there.” I say it before I can change my mind.
My parents stare at me. “What?”
I spit the words out fast so I don’t lose my courage. “I was there at first and then he said I could leave for an hour, but then we saw Preciosa and she was having kittens so it took longer and when I got back, the fire trucks were already there.” I suck in a deep breath.
“You left him alone all day?!” Mami says.
“What were you thinking?!” Papi says.
“Where did you go?!” they yell at the same time.
“It wasn’t all day,” I say softly. “Just a few hours.”
“A few hours?!”
“It was only supposed to be one hour but then Preciosa—”
“Miguel Antonio Rosado,” Mami says. “Where in the world did you run off to?”
“The Cloisters,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.”
My parents look at each other, their nostrils flaring. “Go to your room,” Papi says. “Your mother and I need to talk.”
CHAPTER 25 Lolo
Miguel drags his feet and stares at the floor as he walks down the hall to his room. He steps inside, lets go of his bag with a plunk, and hurls himself face down on the bed.
I stand in the doorway, watching Miguel and listening to Mami and Papi. They’re speaking fast, and they sound mad.
I wish I could do something to cheer them up and get them to forgive Miguel.
I walk into Miguel’s room to join him on his bed and help him feel better. I feel a crinkle when I step on Miguel’s bag. Inside are the drawings he made in Tío Diego’s apartment. Tío Diego smiled and hugged Miguel when he saw those pictures.
Maybe Mami and Papi will do the same if I show them the newest drawings.
I fish out the papers, carry them down the hall between my teeth, and drop them at their feet.
Mami and Papi put down the last paper and look at me. Their eyes are watery.
I was wrong. The drawings don’t make them smile.
I’ve really ruined things now.
CHAPTER 26 Miguel
“Miguel, we need to talk.” Papi sounds calm. He and Mami sit on either side of me on the bed.
I can’t imagine what horrible punishment they’ve come up with. It doesn’t matter though. Nothing can be worse than the punishment I’ve decided on for myself. I’ll never draw again. I even threw away my sketch pad.
