Diego was genuinely engrossed in his piano playing for once, when his father rushed through to the library.
"Have you heard what he's done now?"
Diego kept playing, with half an ear focused on his father's latest rant. The alcalde always seemed to get a little more heated around Christmas time. He wondered why, as he stumbled on a note. He turned, and gave his full attention to his father.
"Another tax?" He asked innocently.
"He's banned all Christmas celebrations. He says the grouping of more than two unrelated people constitutes a threat. He is raving about possible riots…"
"He's going to get a riot if he bans Christmas…"
"What was that, Diego? You really must learn to speak more clearly if you want to be understood." Alejandro glanced at his son. "You've been playing for hours. Seems like your practicing has come to nothing. No party this year, Diego."
"Seems not," Diego said thoughtfully.
"We will have Victoria over, she has no relations in town this year. Maybe Mendoza," Alejandro said.
"That's making the most of it. It will be nice to have a small gathering this year," Diego said with half a smile playing on his lips. Alejandro watched as a tiny flush spread over his cheeks, before he turned back to the piano.
"I wonder what Victoria's favourite carol is?" Alejandro said suddenly.
"A la Nanita Nana," Diego said without thinking. "I…think….I really can't be sure."
Alejandro gave his son a quizzical look and was startled by the fidgety way Diego shifted off the seat of the piano and gathered up some musical notations.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, Father. Why would anything be wrong?" Diego glanced up. "I received a letter from a friend in Germany, and there is a new Christmas song. It's called Silent Night in English and it's got a very soothing melody. I was hoping to practice it before the party."
"You thought the ladies might appreciate a melody?"
"Well, I thought a new song would be a curiosity at least."
"You know, you play music on the piano a great deal, Diego. Perhaps a piece on a guitar would be a novelty as well…." Alejandro said thoughtfully.
Diego stared at his father for a moment, and smiled. "That's the first time you've shown an interest in my music."
"Really?" Alejandro frowned a little. "I always appreciate it. You do have some talent."
Diego glanced away, and shrugged a little. Praise was a rarity in his life, and it startled him when it was so obvious. "Thank you, Father."
"Well…" Alejandro said uncomfortably. "I have errands to run. I will see you at dinner. Try not to get too obsessed with Christmas melodies…"
Diego watched him go, and smiled a little more, although it was bittersweet. They both short changed each other in what they needed from each other, but they still loved and needed each other more every day. It was a strange, strained relationship.