Wendy and I put Mami and Papi to work selling chile in the stand.
Papi loves how we fixed it up.
I show them our designs, and Wendy and I tell them all about building the thing together.
And I tell them about my big dream.
Mami and Papi look so proud.
Like they know I’ve changed since the last time they saw me.
They’ve changed, too.
Manny’s changed, and Mami says she can’t believe how much.
Mami and Papi spend a ton of time with him. Manny teaches them everything he’s learned about farming chile. He shows Mami the NMSU catalogue. She loves that and she tells him the big news that she’s starting up at Highline CC in the fall. Papi gives Mami a huge smile when she says that, and the two of them seem as happy as I ever remember them. Happy for Manny. Thrilled for Xochitl. Happy about this choice I’m making. Happy about me and Wendy.
But so sad about leaving.
Believe me, I’m a wreck about being left.