‘I understand that this puts enormous pressure on my system to fight this off, I probably don’t have the immune power, if that’s the right way of putting it, to do that, then. Do I?’

‘That we would have to see. You will be closely monitored, of course, but I have to tell you it is a tough infection and usually only gets those whose immune system has been compromised. We will wait for the specialist and we will consult and then we can start the appropriate course of medication. OK? That will be today, in about an hour.’

‘I feel I have very little choice. But please don’t worry about me, I am fine.’

She moved her head to the side, away from his focus and smiled to herself.

Jose Serrano went for the door and invited Ever to return; deferring as he did so to Lomita.

‘Could you ask Manita to come in, my sweet.’

Lomita informed them of the severity of her condition. The details of the PCP infection, as a result of the weakening of her immune system due to the failure of the antiretrovral medication. It took her much less time than Dr Serrano. It wasn’t a surprise to Manita, and she didn’t register it as such. She had already anticipated a diagnosis that carried a fatal consequence.

Ever however could say nothing, he was physically incapable of speaking.

‘You understand now, I think, don’t you, my sweet.’

A world contained in one sentence.

Ever could only nod.

‘About everything.’

Ever nodded again.

‘Can you get in touch with Guillermo for me please; ask him to come in tomorrow. And now I do need to rest; Ever must go, it is too much for me, but please come tomorrow with Guillermo. He’s my lawyer.’

She said by way of explanation to Ever.

‘I need to rest now.’

*

The yeast-like fungus inhabited Lomita’s lungs.

It continued to do its worst; although there is very little coughing with this condition, the sputum being too viscous to move, the weight loss, shortness of breath and night sweats debilitate at a rapid pace.

*

Ever asked Manita to drop him off in San José.

He said he could get a taxi back later. He went to the old part of the town, sat in the church, knelt and prayed to God for help – advice – just asking and thinking what to do. He prayed for Lomita. Talking to God or anybody who would listen out there. A lost soul who had always floated in and out of a body was now a soul floating in a mess.