He galloped it across the table, making soft clicking sounds with his tongue.
“No riding near the milk,” Lucía warned.
Tomás stopped immediately.
“Horse thirsty.”
“Then the horse must wait until after breakfast.”
Esperanza smiled and kissed the top of his head.
“He is learning patience.”
“He is learning how to negotiate,” Lucía replied.
Miguel stirred against Esperanza’s shoulder. He was a quiet baby, round-cheeked and content whenever he was held. His fingers curled around a fold in her habit.
Sister Lucía placed two slices of bread on a plate and sat across from Esperanza.
“You look pale.”
“I did not sleep well.”
“Because of the baby?”
Esperanza glanced down at her stomach.
There was no visible change yet, but she had already begun touching it unconsciously, as if protecting something hidden.
“I suppose so.”
Lucía lowered her voice.
“Are you frightened?”
Esperanza hesitated.
“No.”
It was the same answer she had given each time before, but this morning it did not sound convincing, even to her.
Lucía studied her face.
“You are allowed to be frightened.”
