"Sis, where are you? Why aren't you home yet?"
I told him I'd be back soon.
I wiped my tears and said goodbye to Mrs. Chavez.
Back at the house, I tied the apron on again and picked up the spatula. I walked into the kitchen without a word and started cooking.
My mother sat in the main room and nodded with satisfaction.
"See? I told you. Your big sister can handle anything. She's not the type to throw a fit over a little demolition money."
My siblings stood off to the side, quietly breathing sighs of relief.
At dinner, Pat held a bowl and spooned food into Mom's mouth.
Mom watched her, her tone casual, as if she were asking about the weather.
"Pat, the demolition compensation came through. Take two hundred thousand and buy me a place in town."
"Somewhere close to the hospital, so your big sister can take care of me."
Pat froze. She glanced at me, then lowered her head. "Okay."
Mom swallowed a mouthful of rice and kept going.
"From now on, you'll give me ten thousand a month."
"The doctor said if I stick with physical therapy, I might be able to walk again."