Across the Great River by Irene Beltrán Hernández

“We would not want to keep him from his work.
    â€œYes, he needs to get back to Anita and Mama.”
    Nell chuckles, “Kata, there are other sick peoplebesides your Mama and Anita.” She holds the door open for me.
    â€œYes, señorita Nell.”
    She leads me to the small office where the doctor waits. He looks like he has not slept all night long. “Chiquita, little one, let’s talk.” He points to a chair. I wait while he clears his throat.
    â€œAnita is doing much better now, even though she lost several teeth. Her face is swollen, but it will heal in a few days. Her ribs are very bruised, but the X-rays show nothing broken.”
    â€œWhat about Mama?” I interrupt.
    â€œShe is not much better today. She has many broken ribs which will take time to heal.” He clears his throat again and glances around the office for some water. Finding none, he continues, “She does not wake up and we need you to come see her so that she will want to wake up and speak.”
    â€œI will come right now,” I declare.
    â€œAh, perhaps a little later, but I feel your talking with her might help her along.”
    â€œDoctor,” I interrupt, “can I see Anita too?”
    â€œYes, of course. Nell will drive you over later this afternoon.” He turns to pick up his bag. “Also, the police want to speak with you.”
    â€œPolice!” I rise quickly and say, “Oh, no! Can’t they wait until I see Mama?”
    â€œIf you like,” he answers, surprised at my outburst.
    â€œI have to see Mama first, then Anita, and then the police.”
    â€œThat’s fine, I will arrange it.”
    I bow to him. “Thanks to you, good doctor.”
    He touches the top of my head, then leaves the office in a big hurry. I go to the door and look afterhim as he walks down the hall. Nell happens to come out of a side door, and the doctor slows his pace, tips his hat, then speeds onward.
    Nell stares after him for a moment, stands looking down at her hands for such a long time, and then she shakes her long hair and smiles sadly. The doctor stops at the front door and slowly turns back. Their eyes meet for a second, and it is Nell who turns her back and walks off.

Chapter Seven
    I stand in the hospital room looking down at Mama. Lying under the sheet so still, she’s never seemed so tall to me. I reach out and take her hand. “Mama, it’s me, Kata.”
    I peer into her eyes, but they remain closed. “Mama, wake up please.” I touch her chin and turn her head towards me. “Mama, speak to me. Tell me what to do with the pouch.”
    I stroke her hand gently, remembering that she was never this hard to wake, not even in the middle of the night. “Mama, the police want to talk to me. Shall I tell them about Papa?” I touch her shoulder and shake her gently. “Mama, please wake up!” I crawl onto the edge of the bed. “What am I to do?” I sob.
    After several moments of getting no answer, I turn towards the door. I can see Nell waiting down the hall. I kiss Mama’s cheek, then join Nell who says, “She isn’t well, is she?”
    â€œNo, I hope Anita is better.” We walk down the hall to Anita’s room. I take a deep breath before I push open the door.
    â€œWould you like me to go inside with you?” asks Nell.
    I hesitate then glance up. “No, I’d better go myself.”
    Anita turns my way as I enter the room “Kata!”
    I rush to her and bury my head in her arm. “Anita!” I sob.
    Her voice is soft. “Don’t worry, Kata. God will take care of us. You will see.”
    â€œBut you are both so sick. What am I to do? Mama cannot speak or see.” I seize her hand. “Anita,”I whisper, “the police are going to ask me questions. What shall I tell them?”
    â€œI have already spoken with them. Just tell them you are my adopted