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

Bed Ridden

Maria is sick in bed, so the others look out for her.

Maria didn't get sick often, which is why she got so cranky whenever she did. She was in bed with an extra blanket over her head. 

Manolo slowly opened the door with her breakfast on a tray. He placed the tray on the bedside table and gently shook her, “Maria. Maria, breakfast.”

“Not hungry.” She grumbled.

“Come on, you need to eat before it gets cold.”

Maria pulled the blankets tighter over her, “Then you eat it.”

Manolo sighed. Maria can be difficult when she isn't feeling well. He always tried not to get on her bad side, but sometimes he had to show tough love, “Ok, you asked for it.” He pulled the blankets off her, making her shiver.

She glared at her husband, “You're so annoying.” Maria slowly sat up and Manolo wrapped her extra blanket around her shoulders. 

“There, was that so hard?” He asked.

“Shut up.” Her breakfast was heart-shaped pancakes and hot chocolate. She couldn't help but give him a small smile, “But thanks.”

Manolo smiled, “You should take the medicine too.” 

Maria groaned. She watched in disgust as Manolo poured a spoonful of the dark syrup and held it out to her. She held her nose and quickly swallowed the medicine so she wouldn't taste it, “Ay, why does it taste so bad?” 

“I know. At least it's once a day, right?” She wasn't amused, “Sorry.”

Maria coughed, “Can you please not let the girls near me? I don't want them to catch what I got.”

“Don't worry, we will. You just get some rest.”

…

The morning was calm and the girls hadn't been causing any trouble for Manolo or Joaquin. 

Celina and Cecilia were drawing on paper in the living room, Chuy napping next to them. Manolo was on the couch reading a book.

Cecilia looked up from her coloring and looked around, “Mami!” She called out, “Mami!”

“Sorry, mija.” Manolo said, “Mama isn't feeling well. She's in her room resting.”

The two year-old blinked, not fully understanding her father. She got up and began walking away, “And where are you going?” 

“To see Mama.”

Manolo got up and moved his daughter back to her spot, “I know you want to see her, but she's sick. We don't want you to be sick either.” Cecilia said nothing, so Manolo assumed she understood, “Don't worry, she'll get better soon.”

“Papa!” Celina handed Manolo her drawing. 

He looked at her drawing and smiled. It was a crude drawing of him and Maria with all of the town.

“Mija, this is amazing.” He ruffled her hair, “What exactly is this?”

“Mama and Papa saving eryone.” Celina said.

“From the story we tell you?” Celina nodded, “You did a very good job. What about you, Cecilia?” 

The younger twin gave Manolo her paper, “It's Tío Joaquin.” Manolo looked at the drawing and blinked. The scribbles were of Joaquin being punched with his eye flying out. He looked at her and smiled.

“You're both just as talented as your mother.” He gave the drawings back to the twins, "Why don't we show Tío?”

Celina nodded and went to follow her father. Joaquin was in another room, sharpening his swords, “Oh, hey. What's up?”