He can see the surprise on my face.
I think about all the people from the Calypso
at our family gatherings, even Shabbat dinners,
but I can’t remember the Agbayanis being there.
How come we don’t see them more? I ask.
He closes the jar of oil,
folds the cloth over the top of it,
takes a deep breath.
It was hard for us when we came over,
but it was even harder for them.
Not everyone was treated the same way.
Emelita always kept to herself.
She used to come to our meetings
before you were born.
She even helped watch your father sometimes
when he was small.
I don’t think he remembers.
They moved out to 1401 Forest Road.
It’s a very old house, so they fixed it up over the years.
That’s where Emelita had her children
and where her family lives now,
including your Malia!
She spent a lot of time in the Philippines after Enrique died,
but I think she’s back here for good.
She wants to be with her family,
and I’m glad.