Cesar promised me he'll watch over you, Juan says, now standing and walking in circles.
Whatever needs to be done, I say with a sigh of a bad actress. Inside, I am screaming. Yes! Cesar! I can start English classes, and go on long walks, and Cesar will take me dancing. For sure, I will also be able to track down Marisela. She couldn't have broken her promise unless she had to.
Juan circles the coffee table, goes on and on and on about Dominican politics, how he knows a few people with enough influence who may still be able to protect assets...
And whatever happened to the coffee you offered me? Juan asks.
I head to the kitchen to my new life. Already I'm off checking in on my neighbor downstairs, helping her cross the street and doing her errands. I'm off to Woolworth's just a few blocks away, browsing each and every item on the shelf, intoxicated by the smell of pancakes and syrup. Adios, Juan, I'm off to see a movie with Cesar and later to try the hot dogs sold by the man below my window.
Black and sweet, just the way you like it, I say, handing Juan coffee.
After traveling the world I sit and listen to Juan still talking about paper and money, papers and money, and how much we stand to lose.