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The day was cold and rainy, not typical for this time of year in California. Antonio gazed stonily at Ricardo standing across the grave from him. It had been almost six years since they had seen or spoken to each other. Antonio still recalled the events of that night as if it were yesterday. He would still wake up in a cold sweat from the nightmare every now and then.
Nicholas held his father’s hand tightly as they lowered her casket into the ground. Antonio was sure that he didn’t understand the meaning of what was happening today other than that he would never see her again. Antonio had tried to explain, but the five- year old had lost interest and retreated to his wooden train set. The mourners walked away silently as Antonio knelt beside his son. Together, they threw four white lilies onto her casket. Nicholas raised his big, brown eyes to his father. "She’s gone now, daddy?" "Yes," Antonio took a deep breath. "She’s gone. She’s with God now." Nicholas shook his head in understanding as Antonio stood up. Ricardo was making his way hesitantly toward his brother. He knew he should say something, but he couldn’t find the words. Antonio met Ricardo’s eyes and they stood in silence for a long time. Antonio was pulled from the interaction by Nicholas tugging frantically on his pantleg. Antonio looked down lovingly as his son spoke in a loud whisper. "Is this Uncle Ricardo, daddy?" "Yes," Antonio smiled as he turned his head back to Ricardo. "This is your Uncle Ricardo." Ricardo bent down on one knee and extended his hand. "Hello, Nicholas. It’s very nice to meet you." The little boy shook his uncle’s hand heartily as Ricardo smiled. "I’ve heard a lot about you." "Me too, Uncle Ricardo," Nicholas replied like a small adult. "Daddy and mommy talk about you all the time." Ricardo stood up to talk with Antonio. "Where is Gabi?" He was surprised she hadn’t attended Carmen’s funeral. "The baby was up sick all night," Antonio said with a tired look. "Gabi didn’t want to leave her with a babysitter in case her fever spiked again. We think it might be the croup." Ricardo smiled at the mention of his niece. "Megan, right?" "Megan Renee," Antonio beamed proudly as he said his daughter’s name. "She’ll be three months old on Sunday." Antonio let go of Nicholas’ hand to retrieve his wallet. He flipped it open and showed the baby picture to Ricardo. Nicholas rolled his eyes. "Oh daddy, hasn’t everyone seen that picture like a million times?" Sibling rivalry was running rampant at the Torres’ house. Antonio picked up Nicholas and tousled his hair playfully. "Okay, okay. I hear you buddy." Nicholas kissed his daddy and threw his arms around his neck. Antonio smiled as he hugged his son tightly. Ricardo closed Antonio’s wallet with a smile. "It’s good to see you, T." Ricardo had missed his brother. They had both changed so much in the last six years. "You too, Ricardo." Antonio couldn’t help but be glad to see his brother, too. They had always been so close, before Gabi, and Antonio had thought about him a lot in the last years. Ricardo turned as he felt the comforting hand on his shoulder. Antonio smiled as the attractive brunette entwined her hand with Ricardo’s. He turned to his brother. "Antonio, this is Michelle. Michelle, this is Antonio." "I’ve heard so much about you, Antonio," Michelle smiled as she shook his hand. "I feel like I know you already." "Congratulations," Antonio replied as he shook her hand. "My sister told me you two are expecting." Ricardo placed his hand over his wife’s still flat stomach. "I’m fairly certain it will be a boy." Michelle rolled her eyes at her husband’s egotism. "Thank you," she laughed as she poked Ricardo’s arm. "Congratulations to you, too. I hear your daughter is quite beautiful." "Daddy!" Nicholas whined at the mention of his sister. Antonio took Nicholas’ small hand in his once again. "Thank you, she is, if I do say so myself." They all stood silently for a moment before Nicholas let out a howl. "It’s starting to rain harder, daddy and you know mommy doesn’t like it when we get all wet and mess up the floor." Antonio, Ricardo and Michelle laughed as Nicholas pulled on Antonio’s hand. "We better go," Antonio said softly as he stepped away. He stopped and turned back to his brother. "I’m sure Gabi would love to see you and meet Michelle. Why don’t you stop by later?" Ricardo smiled as Michelle squeezed his hand. "We’ll be there. I can’t wait to meet Megan." "Daddy!" Nicholas groaned with impatience. "I’m sure she’ll be crying, like always." "Nicholas," Ricardo got his nephews attention. "Will you show me your train set later? Your Aunt Maria told me it’s your favorite." Nicholas smiled widely. "Uh huh." Antonio raised his eyes to Ricardo. "Good, we’ll see you later then." Antonio and Nicholas turned hand in hand and walked back to the car. Ricardo leaned over and kissed Michelle as she squeezed his hand with love. Things were going to be okay for all of them, maybe they would even all become friends again one day.
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