Perfection

19 Days After, 388 Days Until

Sam

"Do you remember what I said?"

Riley groaned for the hundredth time. "Mommy, I know."

"I'm just making sure."

"Can I knock now?"

"Go for it."

I was a little nervous. Alexia had asked us to come over, insisting she was lonely. It's not an invite. It's a request. She said. A few minutes passed within the time of Riley knocking and the door actually opening. I knew it'd take her a minute.

"Well, hola." A smiling face answered the door. Alexia stood there on her crutches, her leg fully wrapped in tan bandages, and practically a full leg brace, keeping her leg mostly straight. "I heard Tangled is your favorite movie."

"Really?" Riley's eyes went wide.

"Sí. I thought we could watch it?"

"Yes please!" Without giving it thought, Riley ran into Alexia's house.

"Before you say anything, it's fine." Alexia grabbed my attention as though she were reading my thoughts. "I'm glad you came."

"You say that every time we're together."

"Because it's true." I stepped into her house. "How are you?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"I'm...tired. I'm really tired actually. Walking around on crutches is extremely tiring."

"Should you be walking around?"

"If I need something. But I quickly learned that I can't walk up the stairs of my own home, so it's hard to go to bed most nights."

"You should stay with your mom." I said as Alexia walked with me towards what appeared to be her living room. "It'll be easier for you."

"I'll think about it—oh dios mío." I turned my head to where Alexia was looking. Riley was on the couch cuddling Nala. The small dog licking my daughter's face who was also giggling. "Now that is the cutest thing I've ever walked in on."

"Riley has an emotional attachment to your dog, Ale."

"And I do not mind. I also have an emotional attachment to some...important people." I felt her lips on my cheek. "Come on."

She walked ahead of me. I looked at the coffee table. Two bowls of popcorn sat out with some candy too. A couple bags of chips were sat out along with them.

"I may have gone overboard." Alexia chuckled as she slowly sat down. I hurried over to help her. "Gracias." I laid her crutches down on the floor.

"I don't think you did. It's cute."

"I'm glad you think so."

"Alexia?" Riley scooted closer, Nala still in her small hands. "How long are you going to be hurt? I want to see you play soccer!"

"Ri—"

"Well, Princesa, it's going to be a while. But in the meantime, you and I can hang out. ¿Sí?"

"Really?"

"I have all the time in the world for you and your mom. You are welcome over here anytime and maybe—" Alexia looked at me suspiciously. She then waved my daughter closer and began to whisper in her ear.