All Imelda sees is a red haze in front of her eyes. Her hands are shaking, one of them still raised from slapping Héctor, and she's breathing heavily. This was exactly how she felt when she was beating up Ernesto: enraged, blocking out all surroundings except for Ernesto's terrified face. She drops her hand and curls them both into fists.
This state lasts for only a few more seconds before she goes completely still and is overwhelmed with shame. She turns to stare at Coco's bedroom door and hears Héctor's soft singing. Coco's laughter follows after the sound disappears. All at once flashes of memory come to Imelda and she sees Héctor's nervousness and herself striking Héctor's face.
Imelda drops to the ground and covers her face with her hands.
She couldn't control herself then. He gave her those last words and in an instant she couldn't resist. She shakes her head and sighs. A few minutes later the bedroom door opens.
"It's only two months."
Imelda looks up and stares at Héctor. His face is emotionless, and Imelda can see a red mark appearing where she'd done her damage. It would take a long time for it to disappear; it looks like it's already starting to swell.
Imelda stands up and glares at him. "You say that now, but it can change." She crosses her arms and turns away.
"Imelda." Héctor's voice cracks when he says her name. He wraps his arms around her neck in a firm embrace.
She slowly turns around, her expression unchanging. "What will happen when you and Ernesto are asked to do more shows? The trip will extend. You say it's two months now, but it won't last."
Héctor stares at her, and the dim light from the kitchen seems to magnify his already large eyes. He gives her a long kiss, squeezing her tighter in his arms. Imelda leans into him, hugging him in return
When Héctor backs away, he regards her again. "I promise I'll write letters to you," he says. "And I promise I'll be back."
Imelda looks at the ground, giving no reply.
"You could come with us if you want," Héctor offers.
Imelda laughs and rolls her eyes. "I am not spending a whole two months with Ernesto. Once a day is long enough."
Héctor sighs.
Imelda grows serious again. "I'm sorry for hitting you," she says abruptly.
Héctor touches the rapidly swelling part of his face and cringes. He manages a half smile through the pain. "You do like to get through to people," he jokes, bringing his hand down.
Imelda blushes at his comment. But then, regaining composure, she crosses her arms at him and looks down again.
Héctor walks over to her and lifts her head so she can look at him.
Imelda grabs his face with both hands. "You promise you'll return, right?"
Héctor takes her hands in his and nods. "Whatever it takes, mi amor. I promise."
Imelda nods. "Then I support your decision. When do you two leave?"
"Depends on what Ernesto decides. It was his idea."
Imelda smiles at him. "You'll write letters to us every day?"
"Of course, Imelda." Héctor hugs her again. "No matter what," he says, "I will come back. I won't forget you and Coco."
The two of them retreat to their room. As they lay down, Héctor whispers, "I love you, Imelda. Nothing will ever change that."
