I gave her a look and pushed her a little bit. “Madre. I’m glad Suzy won’t be aggravating you for much longer, but tell me more about things with Jim.” I pursed my lips at how flustered she looked. “What, are you getting shy in your old age?”

She balked at that and wagged her finger at me. “Mira, muchachito. Who’re you calling old?” I chuckled, but she finally caved. “Ay, he’s been saying he wants to get married, and I just don’t know. It’s too fast.”

I sighed. “You’re both sixty and you’ve been dating for almost two years. How long do you need?”

She tried to answer, but instead her chin quivered and her eyes watered, and my face felt hot with shame for pushing her. I rushed to reassure her, but she spoke before I could.

“I know I’m being silly, papí.” She clicked her tongue. “Your dad’s been gone for so long, but some days I wake up and I can still smell him.” Her throat moved as she tried to choke down her tears, and I hated myself for starting this.

She wiped her eyes and slumped on the couch. “Jim’s a good man and I know he won’t wait forever, but I need more time.”

I reached out my hand so I was touching the screen, and she stretched hers to touch the same spot. I closed my eyes, feeling the rapid heartbeat and breathlessness that happened whenever I saw my mother still in so much pain over losing my dad.

“Mamí, forget what I said. Take your time. I just want you to be happy.”

She nodded and gave me a watery smile. “I know, papí, and I am. Now let’s stop this sad talk. Go get ready to see Saba. Tell her I’ll text her this week to set up a time to talk.”

“Are you doing anything fun tomorrow? Are you and Jim hitting the winter market?”

She nodded and gave me that look of I know what you’re doing whenever I tried to get her mind off of my dad.