Time Passes

April 15th, 2007

She looked down at her arm, tracing the bruises. She tugged her sleeve down, covering her skin.

"Líli! I was looking for you! Where have you been?"

"Oh, um, I went to the bathroom."

"Anyway, come on, Andrew wants to show us his new skateboard trick."

"Oh, yeah, ok." They rushed off, to see it.

"Hey babe," Andrew said as they ran up. He leaned down and kissed Brigida.

Líli closed her eyes. She is happy. Let her be happy.

"Hey, Líli."

"Hello, Andrew."

~Later that day~

"Líli, are you okay?"

Líli looked up from the sidewalk suddenly. "What? Oh. Yeah, I'm fine."

"Bri, come on babe. Let's head over to my place."

"Líli, wanna come with us?"

"Nah, have fun." I don't want to sit around and third wheel.

"Okay, see you tomorrow!" They turned down the street, holding hands and giggling.

Líli walked slowly home on her own, hardly noticing the worn down houses that she was passing.

"Líli! Is that you? What in the world, child. Are you crying?" Mama had on her apron over her red dress, which she only wore for Aunt Ada.

"Yes, Mama. Sorry."

"Go wash your face. We have company. We cannot have you seen in this state."

"Yes, Mama. Sorry."