Sands Of Time

It's About Time, Mí Amor

It started out as a normal day. I woke up, got dressed, had some coffee and eggs, and went to work. I opened up the shop as usual, and got Antonio's new suit for his ceremony ready for when Alma would bring him by. All just a regular day, yes?

  That was when I heard singing in the street. It sounded like Mirabel was singing about her family. I moved to the store front just in time to heard every last person on the street sing in unison, "We don't talk about Bruno!" I stumbled back a step and pressed my hand to my chest, feeling the rosary that was tucked away beneath my blouse. Forcing the numb shell I had come to rely on to find its way back in place. I took a breath and composed myself when I saw Alma walk in with her youngest grandson. I picked up the folded pile of clothes and held it out to him, "Hey there, Antonio."

  Like before, he stayed quiet, only squeaking out a shy, "Hola," when prompted by his Abuela. His little hands reached out, took the clothing that I offered, and I showed him to the dressing room. Once he came out, Alma thanked me as I helped her fold up the clothing he had been wearing before.

  "We will see you at the celebration tonight, sí?" I gave her the best smile I could, though I knew it didn't meet my eyes. I hadn't been able to give a genuine smile for a long time now.

  "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Señora." Alma gave me a nod and ushered Antonio out of the shop. I stepped behind the front counter. I didn't have any new commission pieces, so I just looked through fabric swatches to brainstorm from. Out in the street I could hear Mirabel pass by the shop with a trail of kids behind her.

  "-milo shape-shifts, Antonio gets his gift today." And then her voice faided as she and the children got farther away from the shop. I sighed and looked back at the swatches on my counter. I was going to see if I could put together something new, but when I saw the green swatch hiding behind the purple one, I decided to just work on a new shawl for a while. Most of the day went by without any customers, I didn't think anyone would come in since they would all be busy getting ready for the party, but I stayed open anyway.

  I slid the big doors closed and locked up. The sun was starting to dip closer to the horizon and it had just ended up being a day of crocheting by myself. I walked back to my house and dug into my wardrobe. My eyes averted away from the big bag that still hung quietly in the corner. I grabbed out a light yellow blouse and a green skirt without thinking and changed into them. I had forgotten about the embroidered hourglass that sat on my hip until I had already gotten the skirt on and sitting right with my underskirt. By then, it wasn't worth the time or effort to try and pick out a different skirt. I didn't bother to take my hair down from my work bun, and instead just swapped my blue headscarf for a yellow one. By time I was ready and stepped out of my house the sky had darkened and the streets were full of people making their way up to Casita. I took a deep breath and started the treck to the magical house as well.

  I felt myself shudder with memories
as I made my way up the walkway. I watched as Luisa lifted a Donkey onto one shoulder, then another that was still hitched to a wagon, and walk them over to the small temporary corral that was set up for the party. Camilo had grown so much and was shifting easily into the attendees at the door. I watched him shift into me and give me a bright smile as he hugged me, "Welcome, Señorita!" He must have forgotten me, too. It was better that way. I wasn't going to be his Tía anymore, after all. I gave him a small smile back and I saw his falter for a moment as he shifted back to himself. "H-have fun." Maybe he did remember me a little and just didn't place it right away. I walked into Casita and watched the tiles bounce excitedly as I did.

  "It's been a while hasn't it." I said quietly and placed my hand against the wall. "I take it you missed me?" The tiles on the wall clacked against the morter betneath, and I gave a small chuckle at the house's exuberance. The party was already in full swing by now and I found myself a less populated corner to sip my drink in.