Will got up early the next morning, unable to sleep. He was very excited, yet anxious, about his appointment with Dr. Zuroli, and was doing nothing more than tossing and turning in bed, thinking about what might happen. He checked on Frank, but found him sleeping soundly, and decided to leave him a note on the kitchen table, reminding him to take his pills. He’d told the family the night before about his appointment with the doctor, but wrote that down as well, assuming that Frank would need the reminder. He also wrote that he’d be back before he went to the store. He’d noticed that Frank was becoming forgetful since Hannah died, and got worried if he was left alone for too long. It seemed like Hannah’s death had stripped him of some of his personality, and it worried Will. He’d told his aunt and uncle about it, asking them to keep a closer eye on Frank, and they’d all agreed that he shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.
For today, though, it couldn’t be helped. Will had to get to the University to see the doctor. This was his chance to start using his shoulder again.
He boiled some water to make a fresh cup of coffee and read the paper from the day before to distract himself. He wasn’t due to the University yet, and waiting here would be easier than waiting there. As he sat and stared out the window, his mind began to wander back to Mexico and Elizabeth. He wondered how she was doing, and what she would think of this new doctor.
He had some time before needing to leave to see the doctor, so he went took his cup of coffee and went back to his room to re-read some of Elizabeth’s letters.
August 9, 1886
Dear Will,
I was truly sad to hear about the passing of your grandparents and Aunt Hannah. I know you had a very special bond with them, especially Aunt Hannah. From a woman’s point of view, I know she is very happy to see you are caring for Uncle Frank.
Pilar had a sixth birthday recently. You should have seen her face when we brought her out to the barn with her eyes covered, and showed her Prince, her favorite pony, wearing his brand new racing saddle and bridle. Her eyes were so wide. She was at a total loss for words, which is unusual for Pilar, who, as you know, tends to always have something to say. Once she caught her breath, she screamed and ran toward Prince, quickly jumping on him, taking a quick ride around the property. I told her it was your idea for the saddle and bridle and that she could thank you when you come back.
On a sadder note, since my last letter, Lita Esmerelda quietly went to the Lord. She had been having difficulty breathing, so I was staying with her in her room, sitting beside her. Once morning, I woke up in the chair, and she was gone. She had a very peaceful look on her face, one I had not seen in a while since Lito Esteban went several months ago. As you know, it is hard to let go of people you have known and loved deeply for so long or even for a short period. Somewhere, you must find the ability to move forward.
Have you had a chance to look into any doctors in that area for your arm. I know you have been busy with running the store and caring for Uncle Frank, but I know it is very important to you that you get your arm working again.
I wanted to mention something briefly before I close my letter. On a recent trip to town, I had a brief meeting with Abogado Sanchez, the mayor of Santa Maria. On a recent trip to Mexico City, he said he heard from some developers about a dam that is planned for somewhere on the San Gabriel River, between Santa Maria and the US border. The exact location is unknown at this time. He said that there are some upcoming meetings where we can talk to people from the government departments who will be in charge of the construction. The good news is that Abogado Sanchez said that it will be many, many years before anything gets started, so we should have plenty of time. I will let you know more when I find out.
Always with love,
Elizabeth
No comments:
Post a Comment