"Hello, Alvaro!" Sister Romina greets us just beyond the church's main entrance.
[al]
"Hello, Sister. You are looking radiant as usual."
"Gracias, Alvaro…um…"
"Do not worry, Sister. There is no need to pay me back with a compliment. Considering the condition I am in, I'm sure I should just be happy to be ali…"
"God has willed it, Alvaro." She is quick to stop me from using self detrimental humor. I don't think she likes me making fun of myself at my own expense. It's the only way I can cope with my current state of existence.
"How are things going?"
"Rather well. I wake up in the morning. I say my morning prayers. Then, after giving thanks to God, I dress and visit with the other sisters. I proceed to the early mass at sunrise. After that, we all help in the lift hen and prepare a modest meal for ourselves and the orphanage next door…". She can be very perky and cheerful when she wants to be. Maybe it's just me?
"I'm sorry. I meant Milagros and the students…"
"Oh, how embarrassing." She turns to hide her face.
"Not that I don't find any interest in your daily life…". I feel bad. My intention wasn't to embarrass Romina. Maybe I need to make it up to her.
"I'd love to learn more about your daily life at the monastery…"
"You would?" Her face lights up again. "Maybe over some pan dulce and café?"
"Yes, that would be wonderful."
"I'd be interested as well." Huehue butts into the conversation as gingerly as a lit powder keg.
"Oh, I'm certain you wouldn't want to hear about the drolls of monastery life, Huehue." Sister Romina smiles at Huehue but there is a seriousness to her tone that I can't place. She carries the attitude most people associate with nuns. I'm sure she's very good at backhanded compliments. Passive aggressive forms of speech too.
"No worries I'm actually interested in the pan dulce."
"If that's the case I can always send you home with a few loaves." Romina grabs onto my sleeve.
"And then there's Alvaro. He still needs help getting home." Huehue grabs onto my other arm.
"I can do that as well. I like an evening stroll as the sun sets at the end of the day."
"But you have duties at the monastery."
"I'm one of many sisters. One can easily cover for me until I get back."
"You can always send someone to help Alvaro in your stead then."
"Of course not. No one knows Alvaro as well as I do here in the monastery."
"It sounds like you are focusing your attention on Alvaro. Instead, why don't you mind your HOLY obligations?"
By this time the two women are practically in each other's faces. I glance over to see Milagros and the other students walking out of the church. They continue into the adjacent classroom. The Mother Superior looks over in the direction of Romina and Huehue. She turns her nose up as she follows her students.
Señoritas? Ladies? Nenas!" No reaction. They are staring daggers at each other. And still, the one has no working vision.
A young man enters the church, kneels, and crosses himself. He stands after a brief prayer and walks in my direction. He hands me a note.
"Romina? This came for you." I finally catch her attention.
"It's a list of missions that el rebelde needs help with. I was hoping to entrust to Huehue, but considering everything…"
"I will take it. As long as Alvaro helps me."
"Pardon me, Huehue, but I do not believe he is in the condition to follow you on these missions."
"Don't worry. That's not the type of help I'm needing from Alvaro." Despite her blindness, she understands that her wink will cause Romina to get riled up.
"Don't worry, Romina. We will look into it. Well, I'll look into it and get Huehue the info she requires."
"God Bless you, Alvaro. And thank you, um, Huehue." Romina looks irritated.
"Come on, Alvaro. Let's get to work. ¡Hasta luego, Hermana!"
"Goodbye, Romina. We will get back to you."
"¡Que dios los bendiga!"
….