Chapter 8

Milagros and I approach a sculpture of Mary near the church doorway. I try to light a candle with an old set of matches at the foot of the sculpture. I bow in reverence and kiss her feet. Milagros mimics my behavior without truly understanding the reasoning behind it. She is so innocent. It saddens me to think that one day the innocence of the world around her will collapse. We settle into one of the pews furthest from the altar.

“Papi.”

“Yes?” I whisper back to Milagros.

“Why do we always sit so far from the priest?”

“You think I'm trying to stay away from the priest?”

“There is hardly anyone here. Why can't we sit closer?” She grumbles.

“Because I like to get a good view of all that is holy.”

“Papi!” Milagros scowls at me.

“Shh. It's time to listen,” I immediately cut her off. I try to fake seriousness but it fails completely.

She finally gives up with her rounds of questioning and we listen to the sermon. A nun sits in the pew behind us.