Carlos:

"Allie, you should see Pablo right now." I spoke into my phone.

"Really, what is she doing?" Allie asked.

"He's staring at the TV screen but he's so sleepy so his head keeps falling, then he jolts back awake." I laugh. "It's hilarious."

She laughs. "You should take him to bed. He's going to first grade tomorrow."

"I will after we hang up. You're working late shift, right? When are you coming home?" I asked.

"In a few hours which is why I didn't think this phone call was necessary." She laughs. "But I miss your voice."

"I miss you too." I sighed. "I guess I should put Pablo is sleep now."

"Alright." She agrees. "I'll see you soon."

We hang up and I head my way over to Pablo. "C'mon, amigo. Time for bed." I said, kneeling down beside him.

"Hmm?" He wipes some spit from the corners of his mouth and sits straight. "But I want to finish watching this show."

I looked at the TV screen then back at him. I gave him a look. "Amigo, you're watching the news?"

"It never ends." He yawns.

I laugh. "C'mon, let me piggyback you to your room." I said, turning so my back was faced to him. He gladly hops onto my back and we both head to his bedroom.

We brush his teeth and change his PJ, both of us humming 'The City is Ours'. He climbed into his bed, pulling his blanket with him under the covers."You excited for school tomorrow?" I asked him, throwing his dirty clothes in the hamper.

"Kind of." Pablo called from his room.

I walked back into his room, giving him a look. "You're a big boy now, amigo."

"I know!" Pablo exclaims. He pauses, then thinks. "I can't wait to see Jonathan again."

I laughed. "You just saw him today."

"But that was in the afternoon." Pablo frowned.

"Aren't you excited to see Melody and Jasmine?"

"Ewww, girls have cooties!" Pablo wrinkled his nose.

I laughed. "Amigo, be nice." Pablo shrugged. "If girls have cooties, what about your Mommy?"

He thought for a moment. "You lose your cooties when you grow older."

I ruffled his head. "Go to sleep, amigo."

"Night, Dad."

"Night, Pablo." I kissed his forehead and turned off his lamp.

"Dad?"

"What is it, amigo?"

"I love you."

"Love you too. Now go to sleep before your mom comes home."

"Okay."

I close the door behind me as I exit his room. Then, I realize that Pablo had hung a photo on the door. He had drawn a picture of me, Allie and himself in the front of the house. He drew the M birds like I always did when I was smaller. I shook my head smiling. Note to self: Credit Pablo on his artwork tomorrow morning.

I walked to my room and watched TV alone for a moment before flicking off the TV. Suddenly, the phone beside me rang. I quickly picked it up, hoping that it didn't wake Pablo up.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"Carlos?"

"Allie?"

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"I was timing you mentally and I'm guessing right now you're in bed and Pablo is asleep."

"You're incredible!" I exclaimed.

She laughed. "Anyways, goodnight."

"You called to say goodnight?" I asked.

Another laugh. "I hope you don't mind."

"I never mind when you call."

"Good night, Carlitos."

"Night, Allie."

I hung up the phone, knowing very well the woman I loved would be beside me in bed in another hour or so.