“You came quickly.”
“I wanted to make sure you were well,” Paloma said.
She opened the infirmary door.
“Shall we?”
The examination was gentle and brief.
Doctor Paloma asked Esperanza a series of questions, took her pulse, and carefully pressed her abdomen. She then opened a small leather pouch and prepared a test.
Mother Caridad stood by the window.
Sister Lucía waited outside with the children.
Esperanza sat on the edge of the narrow bed, watching the doctor’s hands.
“You seem tired,” Paloma said.
“I have two little ones.”
“That would explain much of it.”
“Will there be a third?”
“We will know soon.”
Esperanza looked at her.
“You already know.”
Paloma paused.
“What makes you say that?”
“The way you looked when you entered.”
“That is not a medical sign.”
“No. It is a human one.”
The doctor placed the test aside and met her gaze.
“You have become more observant.”
“I have had reason to.”
