“Okaaaaaayyyy,” he said, hesitant. “I don’t know what that means.” His eyes went wide. “Did you get me my own helicopter?”

“Close,” she said, and then she let loose a peal of laughter. “Look!”

She pointed to the stoop, where a purple bicycle sat upright on its kickstand.

“No. WAY!” Héctor screamed.

He dashed over to it, then ran his hands over the steel frame. Héctor’s last bike had been stolen the previous summer, and his parents had promised to get him a new one. But summer had turned to fall, which was when Mami got her busiest, and it just never happened.

Until now. He loved how the paint job sparkled in the sunlight. Draped over one of the handlebars was a sleek black helmet. When he picked it up, Mami helped him put it on his head and secure it tightly.

“I got a plain helmet so you can dazzle it up to your liking,” she explained. “And as long as you stick to this neighborhood, your papi and I agreed you can do unsupervised rides.”

After the day he’d had, Héctor wasn’t sure he could have felt any more happiness, but he bowled into Mami to give her a hug. Papi came over to join them. “I’m glad you like it,” he said. “And that you’re willing to keep trying here.”

This is it, he thought. This is what I was missing. And they had given him freedom to explore the neighborhood by himself. Alone! He was basically all grown up now, and he went to bed Friday night eager to get on the road the next morning.

Héctor’s parents basically had to force him to eat breakfast. He was fitting his new helmet onto his head while Papi stood at the front door. “Stay within the neighborhood,” he said. “Remember, once you get to the far end of Pecan Park, don’t go any farther.”

“Deal,” said Héctor.

“Be safe, papito,” said Mami. She stood in the kitchen, beaming. “I’m glad you’re so excited.”

“Thank you,” he said, breathless. “This is the best gift ever.”

Moments later, as he pedaled down the driveway, he let out a whoop of joy. The cool morning air glided over his skin as he headed down the street, sticking as close to the right side as was safe.

His bike was fast and smooth, and it was like he was floating over the asphalt. He pedaled faster as he passed through a clear intersection, then turned right on the next block to head up to Pecan Park. How quickly could he do a lap? Maybe he’d time himself. He picked up the pace, then used his right thumb to flick the tiny bell on the handlebars.

Everything felt perfect.