“I know, Ma.”
She leaned her weight on her cane. Her chin lifted in pride.
“I don’t think we have any other choice. I need you to work with me. Help me. I’ve brought you into my home and I need you to go with me as I try to keep us both safe.”
“Mijo!”
He flashed on the girl from the dating site. He guessed ‘dating site’ was a misnomer. They were intended on marriage. Marriage was stage five. He knew it was a far-fetched dream. Marriage wasn’t as much of a possibility for a man who was living with his mother. That was what did it. She liked him. They both were clear after having been tested. She didn’t ask him not to get rid of his mother. She knew better. But she was worried about her own exposures. She had said something about the tests not always being accurate. She had said a lot of things. But finally, she had said enough.
His mother held his arm as they came down the steps to meet Trevon who stood looking out onto the road smoking a cigarette. He seemed contemplative. Once past the steps, his mother held onto her cane and stood proudful with her chin up. Juan helped his mother put her mask on and ran back upstairs to get their two bags.
Trevon turned and watched Juan fly down the steps, then gave him a nod. She began following Juan as he walked toward Trevon who politely stepped out and away as they came.
“Any sign of Alfie?” Juan asked.
“He’s coming.” Trevon said nodding in the direction of Alfie who walked a little more cheerfully than the circumstances dictated. “Anselmo lives about 2 miles away. Can your mother make it?”
Juan looked back at his mother who inhaled a deep breath and shook her head. She turned around and tried to walk up the steps on her own.
“Can we come back for her?”
“Yeah, no sweat.” Trevon said.