21: The Angel and The Angeleno

Part 4

23rd Dec

Rafaél and I made a solid team. First, I managed to convince Ma and Nisha that Raf is a transfer student. I took the couch, and though reluctant at first, he made a home of our suburban abode in Los Angeles. I′ll admit, trusting a stranger like this is unlike me, much less bringing them home and offering one′s bed, clothing, and food to them.

But Raf meant no harm. I could tell, from the moment I glimpsed him floating ashore, that he needed me. Granted, I didn′t believe his far-fetched fable about being born of the ocean at first, but I trusted him enough to respect his boundaries. I figured he could be an illegal immigrant. I understood that plight better than most people.

Besides, I had gone to Santa Monica Pier that night for insensible reasons, too. Pa died of pancreatic cancer last summer, and since spreading his ashes in the Fall of 2020, I had revisited that pier countless times in search of a sign – perhaps a good reason for him not telling me he had been diagnosed.

I lost those last eight months to ignorance, pursuing a Bachelor′s Degree at UCLA instead of being at his bedside. Ma and Nisha packed up and left San Francisco after the funeral to be closer to me. I figured Raf needed a home, and our home needed to feel like one, so the arrangement made sense.

Besides, Ma and Nisha adore Raf. Ma even bought him a Christmas gift. In the past week, Raf had become my best friend ... perhaps even more, if I′m being honest. I′d taken him to Sea World, Union Station, the LA Kings Ice Rink, and the San Diego Zoo. Raf made a ″Before I Die″ list, and I made it my mission to check all the boxes.