*characters: five year old Texas and his beloved Papa Mexico*
Texas and Mexico sat in a chair by a large hall table-turned Ofrenda. Texas observed with silent entrancement as Mexico set flowers, candles, and pictures in place like second nature. It appeared just as natural as setting a dinner table. Mexico worked slowly with the weight of guilt, knowing he was late in setting up his Ofrenda. He wanted to make sure he at least put down his offerings for his loved ones yearly visit.
"Papa, who is that?" Texas asked, pointing at what Mexico was setting next to a plate of Pan De Muertos; a picture frame, with a beautiful young woman painted on the glass.
"Your abuela," Mexico said softly, as he gently stroked his fingers over his painted impression of his mother's face. Texas frowned, remembering what his abuelo told him.
"I wish she was still here... I wanted to meet her," Texas said. Mexico chuckled faintly, and he held Texas close.
"She's here Mijo, She's watching us set the ofrenda," Mexico said. Texas looked around, making Mexico chuckle "You can't see her... it's her spirit who's with us," Mexico said, setting down another painted picture frame.
"Who is he?" Texas asked.
"Maya... he is a relative of my mother. I knew him as a young boy... I didn't realize he was family until years too late, when he already departed... he has many living relatives," Mexico said. Texas nodded.
"He's here too?" Texas asked. Mexico nodded.
"He's here," Mexico said, placing a photograph that Texas recognized.
"Primo! Tejas!" Texas exclaimed, pointing at the man he was named after. Mexico smiled sadly, his eyes fogging with tears.
"Ojalá pudiera haberlo ayudado... estará en nuestros corazones," Mexico said. Texas didn't quite understand what his father meant by this.
"He's not just in our hearts! He's here too, right?" Texas asked. Mexico wiped away his tears, smiling.
"He is... come close, mi vida," Mexico said, holding Texas close to his chest. "Remember... they'll always be with us... always. Just as long as we remember them," Mexico said softly. Texas smiled and nodded.
"...Papa?" Texas said softly.
"Yes mi corazón?" Mexico asked.
"Can we leave the ofrenda up... all the time? I like having them here," Texas asked. Mexico smiled.
"Of course, their pictures can stay here all year," Mexico said. "...Te amo, Mijo," Mexico added, knowing this reminder was unneeded but eternally true.
"Yo también te amo papá," Texas said happily
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