“How is Edward?” I asked.
“I’m emotionally exhausted from all this,” mi tía Isabela said instead of answering. “I just this moment sat to have a glass of wine and relax.”
I stood there, waiting. She looked at Sophia, who smirked and fidgeted with her skirt.
“You told me to sit, and you would tell me what’s happening as soon as Delia arrived, Mother. I’m sitting, and she’s here, too, now, so talk already.”
“Do you ever realize how unpleasant you can be, Sophia? Do you ever, ever think about the impression you make on other people?”
“Oh, please, not another stupid lecture.”
“No, there’s no point. You’re right. You can sit on the sofa, too, Delia,” she told me, and I w
ent to it and sat next to Sophia.
“Edward’s surgeon is not optimistic about Edward’s right eye. He is hopeful that the left will have a near-full recuperation.”
“What is optimistic?” I asked.
“It doesn’t look good for the eye to get better,” mi tía Isabela explained.
“What does that mean? He’s going to wear one of those patches like a pirate or something?” Sophia asked quickly.
“I have no idea yet, Sophia. Whatever has to be done will be done,” Tía Isabela said, and then paused, looking closely at me. “Isn’t that your bracelet Delia’s wearing?”
“Yes, it is,” Sophia said, sounding as pleasant as could be. “I decided to give it to her as a belated welcoming present, especially after the terrible things that have happened to her.”
“Really? That bracelet was one of your special birthday gifts last year, Sophia. Have you any idea what it cost?”
“Well, it’s still in the family, Mother,” she said. “Isn’t it? She’s your sister’s daughter.”
Tía Isabela glared at her.
“What?” Sophia said, unable to stand the scrutiny.
“You’re up to something no good, Sophia. The last time you were kind to anyone was when you were still in the cradle.”
“Very funny, Mother. Are we through here? I have some homework to do.”
“Yes, we’re through,” Tía Isabela said, and Sophia stood up.
“Only one more thing.”
“What?”
“Your brother will be coming home the day after tomorrow. He doesn’t have to remain in the hospital recuperating. When he’s home, I don’t want you aggravating him, teasing him, doing anything that will create tension for him, understand?”
“I wouldn’t do that, Mother. I think it’s terrible what’s happened to him.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“I do!” she cried. Her face started to crumple in preparation for tears.
“Just go do your homework, Sophia. I’m too exhausted to put up with your dramatics,” Tía Isabela said, and sipped her wine.
Sophia glanced at me with tear-filled eyes and rushed out of the living room to the stairway. Maybe deep down, she did love her brother, I thought. I felt like crying for her and the way Tía Isabela was treating her. How could she ever be good if whenever she tried to be good, it was doubted?
I started to stand.