Chapter 21

"What do you think of Papi?"

"What do you mean, Milagros?"

"Do you like him?" I look at Milagros. She is skipping along as I walk.

"I don't dislike your father, yes. So I guess I like him."

"What…what do you like about him? I know that he's not much to look at."

Well, then you shouldn't worry about looks. I can't see his face but I can see him for who he is.

"And who is he, Huehue?"

"He's a brave man left to raise a wonderful and energetic daughter in a dangerous world."

"That's all you see?"

"I'm sorry, Milagros. But that's all that I need to see."

"Maybe you just need more time with him." Milagros looks rather disappointed at my response. Well, not actually my response. Huehue's response. I've just realized that looking through the mirror has allowed me to look through Huehue's eyes. But how?

{I see that you are holding the mirror in your grasp.}

{Huehue, is that you?}

{Yes, Alvaro. You know now that the mirror and I are connected. It was a gift from my family.}

{You…you have a family?]

{Yes. Tezcatlipoca provided me with a piece of the smoky mirror. It grants me many gifts.}

{Such as?}

{The ability to hide my "distinguishable" features from the commoner.}

{You mean your ears and tail?}

{And sometimes I hide more. My true form, for example.}

{True…form…?}

{Sorry. I only let you see what I want you to see.}

{But…your eyes don't function…right?}

{I'm sure you know what it is like to have limitations to your senses, Alvaro.}

{You're right. Forgive me.}

{I'm not a normal human, Alvaro. My emotions do not run along the same gamut as a person. I become angry, sad, and happy just like everyone else. But it takes a lot more to affect those emotions.}

{I wouldn't know Huehue. Nor would I pretend to know. You do seem to smile a lot.}

{Um..of course. Because I let you see that.}

I can imagine her puffing her cheeks with red on her face.

{Despite her being otherworldly she seems to be like any other girl in some retrospect.}

{I can hear your thoughts, by the way.}

{Ugh. It doesn't surprise me.}. I need to learn how to do this correctly. I don't want her to know all my thoughts.

{What are you doing Huehue?}

{What? Why?}

{I know that you can't see but normally you don't walk into walls.}. My vision is obstructed by that of a large white adobe wall. I feel like I'm playing the part of a passenger.

{It looks like you can't walk and carry a conversation, Huehue.}

{I know what I am doing. I don't need…}

{Huehue?}

{I mean I know what I am doing. I don't need you to guide me or supervise…}

{Huehue…}

{What?}

{Watch out!} Huehue takes two steps incorrectly and trips over a canvas bag full of green chilé.

{Are you all right?}

"Are you all right, Señorita?"

Huehue and I "look" up. The face of the Commandante stares back. He continues to hold out his hand.

{Huehue? I don't think he can see that you are blind.}

{Then let me see through your eyes.}

{Can you do that?}

{But of course, mí corazón.}.

Her bragging can get the better of her.

I better help her out.

{Allright. Lift up your left hand.}. Oof! {Sorry. Sorry. I mean your other hand.}

"You poor thing. Are you all right? Here let me help you up."

"Gracias, Señor."

I look over at Milagros. She turns her face and hides behind Huehue's back.

"You look…familiar. But it is clear you are new here."

"Yes. I am new here. I've been invited by the family to visit the pueblo. It comes highly recommended."

"I am sure that you will like your stay, Señorita. This is the safest pueblo you will find for miles around."

"I heard that the Commandante is a just man. And the people settled here have been the most friendly I've ever met."

"Why, Señorita you embarrass me."

"How so?"

{You're playing with him, aren't you, Huehue?}

{You're clever.}

Huehue acts as a civilized lady but she can be quite playful, and devious. Just like the coyote.

"I am the one they call the Commandante."

"Dios mío! I apologize. I am so naive."

"Do not be. I appreciate your honesty. And your fresh perspective on things."

"If you would excuse me, kind sir. I have some errands that I have left to complete before the day is over."

"Of course, of course. Perhaps we will meet again, sometime during your stay here. Welcome to our humble pueblo and please enjoy your stay."

"Gracias Señor."

{You handled that very well.}

{Gracias, Alvaro.}

"Can we go, Huehue?"

"Yes, Milagros. Come on. Not too quickly though."

{Please avoid as many suspicions as possible, Huehue.}

...