8.

The wonderful spicy aroma of a casserole wafts through the air as a Charlie Chaplin film plays on the television in Black and White. Abuelita hums a beautiful tune as she cooks. There is a sound at the door which she doesn’t hear.

Tony comes in and scouts the entire place from where he is standing, his right arm is crossed behind him by his waist, he signals the person behind him to come in with his right hand and in comes his ‘Band Mate’. She takes his hand as he leads her inside like a princess.

He gives her a place to sit, he goes into the kitchen and is astounded when he sees Abuelita in there.

“Lord why me?” he asks himself.

“Tonio! Look at you looking so skinny!” she says as she gives him a big hug.

He manages a smile to hide his nervousness. “Abuelita! I didn’t know you were coming. I’d have cooked for you myself.”

“I’m glad you didn’t! with how skinny you look I’m sure it wouldn’t taste nice.” She says. Tony looks a little hurt but smiles through his pain.

“I’ll have you know