Chapter 18

- Julia, did you give the rent money to Mr. Paulo as I asked? - I said as I opened the oven to check on the lasagna I was preparing for our lunch.

- I did, Ell. And I told him everything you told me. - Julia replied without taking her eyes off her handset.

- And what did he say?

- He said that everything is all right and that now you don't owe anything. - I let out a sigh of relief. The rents had all been paid.

I looked at the color of the cheese and inhaled the good smell of my little work of art. Cooking was something I enjoyed doing, especially cooking for my brothers during my time off. We were separated a lot, so I cherished those days because I could make something they liked to eat and the three of us could talk.

- Where's David? - I closed the oven again and glanced at the clock. Just a few more minutes.

- He's lying in his room. - Julia put down the phone and looked at me. - Will lunch be long?

- No, it won't. - I started to arrange the plates on the table. - Everything shoul