Days And Nights (Book of Life and Maya and the Three One Shots)

Knitting Circle

The three amigos try their hand at knitting.

Manolo and their part-time maid, Perla, were cleaning out one of the many storage closets of the house. They thought it was a good idea to make some room for the new baby.

As they sorted through what to keep and get rid of, Manolo found a familiar box. He smiled sadly.

“Is something wrong, Manolo?” Perla asked. 

“Yeah, it's just… this was my great-grandmother's.” Manolo said. He opened the box and it was filled with knitting supplies and notes.

“Oh, wow.” Perla said, “I didn't know Anita knitted that much.”

“I don't think I remember a time where she wasn't knitting.” Manolo took a deep breath, suppressing his tears, “She had left baby socks for me and Maria.”

Perla smiled, patting her boss's arm, “Well, we're absolutely keeping this.” 

Maria had overheard them from the other end of the hall as an idea came to her.

…

The next morning, Manolo walked by the living room, stopping when he heard Maria talking to herself. She sounded focused, on the verge of frustration, “What are you doing?” He went to sit next to her.

“Oh!” Maria yelped, “Ay, you scared me. I saw you found Anita's knitting and I thought I'd try it out.”

He noticed that Maria had brought out Anita's knitting box and was trying to get something started with yellow yarn, “Ay, Maria. You don't have to-”

“No, I want to. It's a new hobby and the baby gets something out of it. It's a win-win.”

Manolo smiled and kissed her cheek, “If that's what you want. So what are you making?” 

“I thought I'd start simple with a blanket.”

“Oh, yeah, that's a good idea.” Joaquin said, walking in, “Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear. Are you gonna give it a pattern?”

“No, why?”

“Well, depending on how you're doing it, it can be-” Joaquin’s eyes went wide and he stammered, “Uh… n-not that I would know. D-don’t listen to me, I don't know what I'm talking about.”

Manolo and Maria smirked at each other, “Joaquin… Do you know how to knit?” Maria asked.

Joaquin scoffed, “What? No, of course not. I was just making some suggestions.”

“So, you do know how to knit.” Manolo said.

“I didn't say that.”

“Could you make a hat?” Maria asked, “Or help me if I wanted to?”

“No. I just-”

“Why don't you get started right now?” Maria threw the ball of yarn she was using at him, “There's plenty to go around.”

“I don't know how to knit.” Joaquin tossed the yarn back.

“Then how do you know knitting tips?” Manolo asked, tossing it back.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” He tossed the yarn back.

“We can do this all day.” Maria said. The yarn hit Joaquin in the face this time, which made him cave.

“Alright, alright!” Joaquin looked down and rubbed the back of his neck, “My grandma knitted a lot and I got a few tips from her. I don't know how to knit on my own though.”

Manolo chuckled, “See? That wasn't so hard.”

“Yeah, there's nothing to be ashamed of, Joaquin.” Maria said, “I think it's great you know this stuff.”

Joaquin’s face brightened up, “Really?” His friends nodded, “Oh. Ok, then. I, uh… got a little worked up over nothing, huh?”

“Yes.”

…

A few weeks later, Maria had finished the blanket. It was a simple yellow blanket with white edges, added with Joaquin’s help. She handed the blanket to Manolo who wanted to help finish it.

“Ok, just carefully take it off the needle.” Joaquin said. Manolo slowly followed his instructions as his friend and wife watched over his shoulder, “Now loop the yarn into the hole to tie it. And there, it's done!”

The three amigos took a moment to admire their work, “This is really good, Maria.” Manolo said.

“Thanks.” She said, “Anita knew her stuff.” Manolo smiled as she nuzzled her head against his. Joaquin loudly cleared his throat, “And thank you for your help, Joaquin.”

“Aw, no problem.” Joaquin shrugged. Manolo rolled his eyes. 

“Hm. This is impressive for an amateur.” Perla said, looking at the small yellow blanket, “The baby will love it. Though, by the looks of it, we'll need a bigger blanket.”

Maria felt her stomach, “But I'm hardly two months alo- Hey!” Perla snickered when Maria threw yarn at the back of her head.