Imelda keeps giving Héctor concerned looks all through lunch time. He looks away from her, staring at the ground until she looks away as well. She can tell that something's wrong with him.
He doesn't have his usual spark today, moving with much less optimism when she's around.
Imelda can't help but think of last night, when she saw Héctor standing outside with that look on his face. And how he reacted when she squeezed his hand as went back to their bedroom.
She keeps her eyes on him as she takes a bite of her taco. He jokes with her brothers and although he's laughing like usual, it seems forced and worn out. Coco stares at her as well, her expression mirroring Imelda's as she leans over.
"I talked with him earlier," Coco whispers.
Imelda nods and sighs.
Coco looks Héctor's way. "He gets nervous around you."
Imelda widens her eyes. "You've noticed that?"
Coco nods and shakes her head. "It's hard to miss. Why is Papá acting like that?"
Imelda says nothing.
Coco frowns. "Mamá, I want to know. I know you used to believe he abandoned us for good, but that should be behind you."
Imelda sighs. "I know, but I used to chase him away, not just avoid him. If he got too close, I'd..." She trails off, then says, "I'd hit him.
Coco gasps.
Imelda catches Héctor giving her another fearful stare. He turns away from her slowly.
Eventually, everyone finishes eating. Héctor and Imelda are the last ones done. Which means they are left alone after everyone else leaves.
Imelda carries her plate over to the sink and keeps her eyes on Héctor. He makes no eye contact with her, though. His head stays lowered.
Finally Imelda turns to face him fully, her whole body turned in his direction.
Héctor looks up at her, and she sees the tiredness in his eyes.
"You didn't go back to bed last night, did you?" she asks.
He shakes his head. "It's not a big deal, though. I'm okay."
Imelda sighs. "I wish you'd stop saying that. I know something's wrong with you."
Héctor widens his eyes. "Nothing's wrong," he says defensively. He fidgets with his hands as he speaks.
Imelda rolls her eyes. "Héctor, you are a lot of things. But a good liar isn't one of them."
Héctor gives her a blank look, and it scares her how emotionless his reaction is. He doesn't even smile, which is what he'd normally do if she cracked a joke like that.
His head dips down and he goes completely still for a few seconds. Then, with no further words, he turns and walks away from her.