Diego gazed out of the porthole and uttered a sigh of relief as he saw the coast of California appear on the horizon. His stay in Spain was one that he did not want to repeat. Diego noticed that Celia had not been the concupiscent wife he enjoyed when they were in Spain. She looked tired and all of the color seemed to have drained from her face. He wondered if she was still angry with him about what happened with her uncle the King. Diego turned and gave Celia a look filled with lust and strong sexual desire. Celia smiled back. He went over to the bed where she lay took her hand and kissed it.
"Are you alright, mi amor," Diego inquires as he tried to control his carnal passion.
"I am fine, just fine, Diego. This long boat trip has taken its toll on me," Celia replies.
"We can stay in the pueblo at the Inn for the night before riding out to the hacienda if you need to rest," Diego responds with worry.
"No, Diego I will be alright," Celia says with a hint of irritation in her voice.
Diego was taken aback by the sound of his wife's response. She turned her back to her husband and fell asleep. Celia's actions confused and perplexed Diego. When the boat docked Celia grabbed Diego's arm for support as they disembarked. Diego was very disturbed and troubled by his wife's disconcerting behavior. They did manage to get the last coach to Los Angeles. Celia was conspicuously quiet and had her face averted from her husband. Diego himself exhausted thought that this may be the reason for Celia's peculiar behavior. As the cuchero announced that they are approaching Los Angeles, Diego looked over at Celia and noted that she had fallen asleep. He marveled to himself - mi amor looks so weary and worn out. Diego told the cuchero to leave them off at the Inn.
"Si Senor," the cuchero replies.
Diego went into the Inn and asked about a room.
The innkeeper says with a broad smile on his face, "Don Diego how good it is to see you. We all thought that you were going to stay in Spain."
"No, Los Angeles is our home and here we will stay," Diego answers.
"I will have a room made ready for you muy rapido, the innkeeper replies with a smile. Consuela, the innkeeper calls to the woman at the end of the bar, please get room number three ready for Don Diego."
"Oh, Si Senor, right away," Consuela replies.
She ran up the stairs quickly and made sure that the room was perfect for Senor and Senora de la Vega. Diego had the cuchero to take his and Celia's bags up to their room.
"Could you have someone ride out to my father's hacienda and let him know that I am spending the night in town? Also could you have el doctor come to my room," Diego asks the innkeeper.
"Si, Don Diego, Si," the innkeeper responds with a troubled look on his face when Diego asks for el doctor.
Diego went out to the coach picked Celia up in his arms and carried her upstairs to their room closely observed by all of the people in the tavern. He lays Celia gently on the bed and kissed her just as el doctor entered the room.
"Don Diego, I came as soon as I could. What is the problem," el doctor says between short breaths.
"Muchas gracias, it is my wife I think she may be coming down with something," Diego replies.
"Con permiso," el doctor rejoins as he ushers Diego out of the room.
Diego went down to the tavern and ordered a bottle of wine.
"Si, absolutely Don Diego," the Innkeeper says.
The concern for Celia, exhaustion, and the effects of the wine caused Diego to fall asleep. He awoke with his father shaking him.
"Diego son are you alright. Where is Celia," Don Alejandro asks with apprehension.
"Father…. I am sorry. I… must have fallen asleep. What time is it," Diego responds as he checks his pocket watch.
Diego got up and ran upstairs without answering his father's questions. Don Alejandro had an anxious look on his face not knowing what was going on with his son and Celia. El doctor just coming out of the room bumped into Diego.
"What is wrong with my wife? Is she going to be alright," Diego asks with trepidation in voice.
He tried to read el doctor's face looking only for good news.
El doctor smiles, "congratulations Diego, Celia is pregnant."
Diego took three steps back and el doctor had to grab him to prevent him from falling over the rail. Pregnant…..Preg…nant, Diego stood there while this wonderful news registered in his brain.
"Preg…nant….preg…nant," Diego's voice trails off into a whisper.
El doctor stood there holding onto Diego's arm giving him time as he came to grips with the news.
"Si, Don Diego you are going to be a father," el doctor replies with a chuckle.
When Diego came back to reality he says, "mil gracias el doctor, mil gracias."
Diego ran down stairs to tell his father the incredible news.
"Father, Celia is…is…pregnant. Pregnant….," Diego exclaims.
"This is wonderful news. Isn't this wonderful news," Don Alejandro muses.
Diego pours a glass of wine and drunk it down without stopping.
"Wonderful news, this is fantastic news father," Diego shouts.
Diego then hurried back upstairs to check on Celia.
Don Alejandro announces, "wine for everyone, I am celebrating the forthcoming birth of my first grandchild."
Everyone raised a glass in felicitation to Don Alejandro and his future grandchild. Diego climbed the steps slowly still reeling from the news of his impending fatherhood. He opened the door and saw Celia setting up in the bed. A big smile covered Diego's face as his eyes beheld the love of his life and the mother of his child.
He took her in his arms and held her tight, "mi amor, oh mi amor…..I love you…..I love you," was all that Diego could say.
"I love you too mi vida with all of my being. Are you pleased," Celia responds.
"Pleased mi amor, I am ecstatic," Diego whispers and kissed his wife's hand.
Celia smiled, lays her head on Diego's shoulder and fell asleep. He pulled a blanket over her and kissed her on the forehead.
"Love you mi amor." Diego whispers.
Diego came back downstairs. He still could not believe what el doctor had told him. He was going to be a father, imagine that, and the mother of his child; the woman of his dreams. How lucky could one man be! Just then Bernardo walked in the door of the tavern with a disturbed look on his face. Diego motioned him to a chair in the corner.
"What's going on? How has the mask bandit's rides been going," Diego questions.
Bernardo gestured about a rumor that Commandante Rodriguez did not believe that the person riding as the "Fox" was the real mask bandit.
"How… is there any proof of his suspicion?" Diego asks.
Bernardo shook his head.
"Bernardo, I am going to be a father. Can you believe that," Diego says with a big grin on his face.
Bernardo's eyes widened and he made a rocking motion with his arms like a baby's cradle. But what about the Fox he gestured. Diego in his happiness had not thought about how this would affect the "Fox". For a fleeting moment the vision of a masked man stared back at Diego. Diego was brought back to reality by Bernardo tapping him on the shoulder.
"What…oh I am sorry mi amigo," Diego replies.
Bernardo was troubled by the look of concern on Diego's face.
"I will ride tonight and pay the commandante a little visit to let him know that the Fox is still vigilant and watchful. Please let my father know where I have gone. Tell him if Celia wakes up to let her know also," Diego says.
Bernardo nodded that he would.
Diego borrowed a horse from the livery and rode home alone. He opened the hidden panel and put on the disguise of the mask bandit Zorro. El Zorro then hurried down to the secret cave. Tornado pawed the ground happy to see his master once again.
"It is good to see you too my friend," Diego says as he stroked Tornado's mane.
He mounted Tornado and rode as swift as a falcon in flight toward the pueblo. It was good to feel the wind on his face and the power of Tornado's gallop once again. El Zorro climbed over the back wall of the Cuartel. Commandante Rodriguez was in his office contemplating what kind of trap he could set for the person who pretended to be the masked bandit. The commandante sensed movement behind him and sprung for his sword but Zorro was too quick for him.
"Buenos noches, Commandante Rodriguez," El Zorro muses as he saluted his nemesis.
Commandante Rodriguez faced El Zorro with a look of pure hatred.
"Sit down commandante. I think that we need to have a little talk," El Zorro retorts pointing his sword at Commandante Rodriguez.
"I have nothing to say to you unless you have come to give yourself up," the commandante replies with unbridled anger leading to madness.
"No, commandante that is not my intention. I just want to put you on notice that your reign of tyranny will soon come to an end. I will see to that," El Zorro threatened with a look of loathing for the commandante.
"Not if I have my way. Instead it will be the end of terror and mayhem caused by your vigilante antics," the commandante snaps back.
El Zorro glared at Commandante Rodriguez with malice and then he carved a large "Z" on the front of his uniform.
"You will be hearing from me again. Adios commandante," El Zorro counters sharply.
With that El Zorro vanished before the commandante could get out of his chair. El Zorro climbed over the Cuartel wall, jumped on Tornado and gone like the wind before the commandante called his lancers to arms. As he rode pass the Inn he was tempted to stop and check on Celia but thought it best to come back as Diego. El Zorro entered the secret cave and discovered Bernardo waiting for him.
"What are you doing here? Where is Celia? Has something happened?" El Zorro inquires.
Before Bernardo answered El Zorro ran up the stairs and opened the hidden panel to find his father sitting in his bedroom.
"Father, has something happened? Where is Celia?" El Zorro asks anxiously.
"Calm down my son, everything is alright. After Celia woke up and found out where you went she wanted to come home. She would not take no for an answer," Don Alejandro responds pointing to Diego's bed.
El Zorro turned to see Celia in his bed – their bed sound asleep. He smiled, walked over, and kissed her on the lips.
"Diego you took quite a chance coming in still disguised as El Zorro. Suppose one of the servants had been here," Don Alejandro warns his son.
"Father, I…..I was so worried about Celia," Diego stutters realizing his concern for Celia caused him to be reckless.
"I know the realization that you are to be a father and your concern for Celia in her present condition occupies and holds you complete attention, but El Zorro," Don Alejandro goes to say.
El Zorro interrupts, "I know father….. I will exercise more caution in the future."
Don Alejandro was upset with his son but at the same time understands what his son feels.
"El Zorro we will talk more tomorrow. You have had a very amazing and exhaustive day. Get some rest my son," Don Alejandro says patting El Zorro on the shoulder.
"Muchas gracias, father," El Zorro answers.
Don Alejandro motioned to Bernardo who remained quiet watching the situation unfold between El Zorro and Don Alejandro.
"Buenos noches mi hijo," Don Alejandro replies with affection.
Then he and Bernardo walked out the door shutting it behind them. El Zorro opened the hidden panel, undressed, and placed his disguise safely in the large trunk. Diego quickly put on his nightshirt and entered his bedroom once more. He slipped into bed quietly next to Celia. How good it felt, Diego reflected to come home from his escapades and have her to lie next too. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.
In the early morning Diego awoke to feel the warm and caressing touch of Celia's hand.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmm," he moaned with pleasure.
Celia moved her hand from Diego's chest to his stomach to his genital area. It sent a surge of white hot fire over his whole body. As she begun to massage his bulge she took great delight in watching it grow. He turned to her and kissed her open mouth hungrily stroking her tongue with his.
"I love you….so much…..so much," Diego whispers.
"I love you too mi vida more than life itself," Celia coos.
She started to remove his nightshirt.
"No mi amor it will not be good for the baby. I can wait," Diego murmurs.
"Can you wait for this," Celia says as she removed her gown and looked at Diego teasingly.
"Ahhhhhh…..Celia," Diego blurts out in uninhibited sexual lust.
Diego could not resist. He lovingly stroked Celia's full breasts with her nipples taut and begging to be touched. Diego covered each one of her nipples with his mouth and tickled them with his tongue.
"Ohhhhhhhhh….Diego," Celia purrs as she cups his face in her hands.
With a burning hunger consuming his whole body and centering itself in his groin area, Diego reminisced never had a woman aroused him to the point of carnal madness as he felt for Celia at this moment. He moved his tongue from Celia's nipples to her stomach and proceeded to her fragrant genital area.
"Ohhhhhhh….Diego I want to feel you inside me now…now," Celia whispers.
"Celia, the baby…..I don't want to hurt our child…you," Diego pleads.
Celia glanced at Diego with a tantalizing stare, then progressed to his groin area and glided her tongue up and down Diego's throbbing bulge.
"Celia stop…I….can't…ahhhhhhhhh," Diego cries out in pure ecstasy.
He trembled unable to control his fever of intense desire and passion. At this moment nothing else matters but to feel himself inside Celia as their bodies move in rhythm together. Her insides trap Diego's bulge in a hot lake of fire giving him unbelievable pleasure as they both explode in sheer rapture together. Afterwards they lay there breathless enjoying the sexual glow.
Diego hugged Celia in his arms and says, "I am the happiest and luckiest person in the world."
"Oh no," Celia coos.
"And why not," Diego asks.
"Because I am," Celia responds.
Diego smiled and stared deep into her eyes then kissed her long and passionately.
"Diego would you take me to the pueblo, I want to see if I can…" they are interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Don Diego," it was Juan one of the servants.
Diego got up, put on his nightshirt and robe then opened the door.
"Buenos Dias, Don Diego, your father asks me to inquire if you were awake. He wants to speak with you before he goes out this morning," Juan says.
"Tell my father I will be right down," Diego replies.
"Gracias, patron," Juan responds.
Diego returned to the bed and tells Celia," my father wants to speak with me."
Celia gazed at Diego.
"Are you sure you want to leave," she whispers.
Diego grinned and held her in his arms.
"You can count in minutes my love when I will return to our bed," Diego sighs.
Diego hurried down the steps to see his father who was eating breakfast on the patio. Bernardo served breakfast and gestured whether Diego wanted something to eat.
"No, Bernardo just some café por favor mi amigo, Diego replies. Buenos dias father you want to speak with me," Diego questions.
"Yes, now that you are about to become a father it is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly," Don Alejandro says.
Diego had a puzzled look on his face.
Don Alejandro noticed this but continued. "It will require a lot of time and sacrifice. There are some important things that you must make a decision about. While some things in your life will remain the same most will change. One important thing you must make a decision about is the Fox. I know that being El Zorro is very important to you and that you feel an obligation to the people of California but now your family must come first. What are you going to do about the "Fox" my son," Don Alejandro says.
Diego was stunned by his father's question. He never thought that becoming a father would have any real impact on the "Fox". He figured since Celia knew about it and accepted this part of him that he can go on as he had before.
"Father….I do not quite understand what you are saying. Do you mean I must make a choice between being a father and the Fox," Diego questions.
"It may come to that Diego and when it does what will you do?" Don Alejandro asks.
Diego was speechless. Don Alejandro saw the bewildered look on his son's face. He realized that Diego had not fully considered what it really meant now that he was to be a father. He felt sorry for his son because he could imagine the argument that must be going on between his son's head and heart.
"Diego my son, think about what I have said and we will talk more this evening when I return," Don Alejandro rejoins.
Don Alejandro got up, grabbed his hat, and walked out the gate. Diego set there unable to move. It was as if a hundred pound boulder had fallen on him and crushed the very life out of him. Diego drew in a deep breath.
Sitting there waiting on her husband Celia realized that quite a bit of time had passed and Diego had not returned. So she decided to go down and see what was going on. Celia observed Diego sitting in a chair on the patio absorbed in thought.
"Diego, mi vida what is wrong," Celia asks.
Diego perceived a gentle tug on his shoulder. He stared up into Celia's beautiful face.
"I have been standing here trying to get your attention. Is something wrong, mi vida. I want to know," Celia asks.
Diego did not want Celia to worry it might not be good for the baby.
"Nothing mi amor. I am just thinking about the things my father wanted me to help him with today," Diego replies.
Celia looked at Diego.
"Are you sure, you had a very worried look on your face," Celia queried.
He stood up and gave her his chair.
"Are you hungry mi amor, Diego asks trying to change the subject. I will have Bernardo bring you something to eat," Diego says.
Celia reasoned at this point that whatever was bothering her husband he did not want to discuss it. She comprehended that maybe she should ask him at a later time when he might be more receptive to her questions. At that moment Bernardo appeared in the doorway.
"Would you bring Celia some breakfast, por favor?" Diego asks.
Bernardo nodded. Diego gazed at Celia and thinks how beautiful she is; she seemed to be glowing.
"You need to keep up your strength now that you are eating for two," Diego muses and pats Celia's stomach.
She smiled, cupped Diego's face in her hands, and kissed him full on the mouth. The taste and feel of her tongue in his mouth started a slow burning fire inside him that was fast becoming an inferno.
"I love you so much mi amor. I cannot live without you. You and the baby are the most important things in my life. I will gladly give my life to keep you both from harm," Diego promises.
"You will never have to mi vida," Celia whispers.
After Celia finished her breakfast Diego said that he had to meet his father out on the range. He took Celia to their bedroom. He pulled off his nightshirt and started to put his underclothes on. Celia stared at Diego with lustful eyes as she admired the full view of her husband's nakedness. He turned and looked at Celia wanting very much to join her in bed. He smiled at his wife and then continued to put his pants, boots, shirt, and jacket on. As he tied his corbata there was a knock on the door.
"Passe," Diego states.
"Did you want to see me patron," Abuela one of the lady servants asks.
"Si, would you keep watch over Senora de la Vega while I am gone," Diego replies.
"Si, Don Diego," Abuela replies.
He kissed Celia and told her that he would see her later that evening.
"Muchas gracias Abuela," Diego says.
"Whatever you require Abuela will serve your every need," Diego tells Celia.
He goes down to the stable and saddled Misterio. Diego headed for that little place on the hillside where he could be alone to think. He spent the rest of the day on that hillside thinking about what his father said - What are you going to do about the "Fox." There is no doubt in his mind that Celia and the baby came first but did that mean there is no room for the "Fox". He was going to be the best father and make sure that his child wanted for nothing. Diego recalled that after his father lost his mother it was very difficult to raise him alone. He also remembered the time that his father stopped him from accepting the amnesty offered by the governor. Don Alejandro reminded Diego how important his obligation to the people of California was. He came to understand, although very painful and difficult at the time, the sacrifice he had to make. Would he once again have to give up one thing for the sake of the other? Could he live without Zorro? Who would defend and protect the people of California who could not help themselves. Could he stand idly by while injustice and villainy ran unrestrained? Should the people suffer because of his happiness? EL Zorro had become so much a part of him that he no longer knew where Zorro ended and Diego begun. Diego reclined on the cool grass and tried to picture a situation in his mind that would cause him to have to choose. He listened to the soothing sound of stream below, the chirping of the birds above, and closed his eyes. The vision of the mask bandit invaded Diego's dreams and warned him to beware. Diego awoke suddenly. He realized that he had been asleep for some time because the sun was going down behind the mountains. He jumped on Misterio and galloped away. As luck dictated Diego and his father arrived back home at the same time.
"Where have you been my son," Don Alejandro asks.
"I...needed some time to be alone and think father," Diego admits.
As Diego and his father entered the gate, they saw Celia setting on the patio.
"There you two are. I was concerned mi vida," Celia says.
Don Alejandro went to speak but Diego cut in. "Yes, my father and I lost track of the time, mi amor," Diego responds.
Don Alejandro looked at his son and realized that Diego had not been truthful to Celia about where he was.
After supper Bernardo motioned to Diego that he needed to speak with him. Diego excused himself and went out to the patio with Bernardo.
After their conversation, Diego says, "saddle Tornado for me."
He came back inside and told Celia and his father in a quiet tone, "I have to leave I will return as soon as I can."
Celia stared at her husband with watery eyes.
"Mi amor I will be back soon. Do not worry it is not good for the baby," Diego pleads.
"I know but I am always anxious when you are out riding," Celia replies.
Diego kissed her hand and winked. He then ran up the steps pushed the button to the secret panel and put on his disguise. El Zorro descended the steps to the secret cave mounted Tornado and sped off like the wind. Zorro rode to the pueblo to free three rancheros from the stocks. Commandante Rodriguez had imprisoned them because they refused to take part in one of his cruel schemes. It was a trap and El Zorro ended up in a duel with the commandante and three of his lancers. He made quick work of the lancers locking them up in the same stocks he freed the three rancheros from. Then a fierce battle ensued with swords parrying back and forth between El Zorro and Commandante Rodriguez. It finally ended with El Zorro locking the commandante in one of the cells and tossing the key in the well. As he leaped from the back wall of the Cuartel and mounted Tornado he heard the commandante shouting at his lancers to get the key. El Zorro laughed as he raced toward home and Celia. El Zorro arrived back at the secret cave. He took off Tornado's bridle and saddle then gave him some oats to eat. El Zorro looked at Tornado and wondered if his majestic stallion would miss their adventures if Zorro was no more?
"Buenos noches mi caballo," El Zorro says as he patted Tornado on the head.
He floated up the steps to the secret room and lost no time in changing from El Zorro to Diego. Celia awoke as Diego came through the secret panel.
"I did not mean to wake you mi amor," Diego says.
"I am glad you did. I worry until you are safe back in my arms," Celia replies.
Diego got in bed beside Celia and pleased to find that she does not have on her nightgown.
"You see I have been waiting for you mi vida," Celia purrs.
Diego held her in his arms and kissed her with strong sexual desire. He very willingly pulled off his nightshirt. The fire that started that morning was now being rekindled as a raging inferno. He cries out in pure carnal passion as Celia pulls his naked body on top of hers. Diego and Celia moved together in a perfect flow of rhythmical love. Celia's body begun to tremble. Her insides closed tightly with a kneading motion around Diego's bulge. He sucked in his breath and closed his eyes as his bulge starts to throb and vibrate. Then he feels a rush of hot fluid gushing forth like the opening of a dam's floodgate.
"Yessssss, Celia…yesssssss," is all Diego can manage to mouth.
It was noon when Diego woke up. Celia lay beside him. He reached over and kissed her. She did not respond. He shook her gently but she did not respond. He opened his bedroom door and called out to one of the servants.
"Ride into town quickly and bring el doctor," Diego exclaimed his voice filled with panic and alarm.
He hugged Celia in his arms. His father, who had not left yet, heard the commotion and ran up to his son's room to see what was wrong. He went over to the bed and saw Diego holding Celia in his arms.
"She won't wake up," Diego says with tears running down his face.
"Diego, I am sure," Don Alejandro goes to say…but at just that moment el doctor comes in.
He took one look at Celia and ordered everyone out of the room. Diego would not let go of Celia. Don Alejandro and Bernardo had to literally drag him away.
"Diego you have to let the doctor work, come down stairs Bernardo will get you a glass of chilled wine," Don Alejandro says trying to sound hopeful.
Bernardo nodded with glistening eyes. Don Alejandro took Diego down stairs to the Sala while Bernardo got a bottle of wine.
"Diego you need to sat down and relax. Celia is going to be alright, I am sure of it," Don Alejandro says trying to hide the fear in his voice.
El doctor stayed upstairs with Celia for what seemed like hours. Diego could not set still he kept pouring glasses of wine and drinking them down without stopping. Don Alejandro had to have Bernardo take the bottle away as he noticed his son start to stagger and trip over his own feet.
"Set down Diego before you fall down," Don Alejandro asserts.
"I can….cannot live….without…without her…father. She….she is…my my….life. If…..if anything hap….happens to her…..our baby," Diego stutters under the effect of the wine.
"Diego, el doctor will do his best, everything will be alright," Don Alejandro says as he patted his son on the shoulder.
El doctor had one of the lady servants Consuela assisting him. Don Alejandro saw Consuela come down the steps with a long face but he did not mention this to Diego. El doctor came down and motioned to Don Alejandro. By this time Diego was drunk and passed out in a chair.
El doctor says, "I am sorry she lost the baby."
Don Alejandro went weak and felt his legs buckle underneath him. The doctor helped him to a chair.
"How will I tell Diego? How is Celia? Is she going to be alright?" Don Alejandro says feeling as though someone has cut a large hole in his heart.
El doctor shook his head and looked over at Diego passed out in the chair.
Don Alejandro demands, "What are you telling me?" No….no doctor? He can't lose his wife and child in the same day."
"I did all I could but the bleeding is so severe. I am unable to stop it," el doctor says his voice filled with anguish and grief.
Don Alejandro motioned to Bernardo to bring him a decanter of wine. But Bernardo just stood there unable to move as agony and sadness overwhelmed him. How could this happen to Diego? He was someone who deserved so much better. He had numerous times as El Zorro risked his life for people he did not know. He had always stood up for justice and equality for everyone. Was this his reward? A life filled with loneliness and unhappiness Bernardo thought. He stared at Bernardo and saw despair written all over his face. Don Alejandro walked over and put his hand on Bernardo's shoulder. When Bernardo did bring the wine, Don Alejandro poured a glass for himself and el doctor whose eyes he noted was filled with tears.
"Is she conscious?" Don Alejandro asks.
"No, bless be the Saints because of the intense pain she would be in if she were," el doctor replies.
Don Alejandro stood up on shaky legs and glanced at his son passed out in the chair and remembered how Diego said that he could not live without Celia. He collapsed in the chair and like a heavy drenching rain the tears flowed from his eyes.
El doctor came over and patted Don Alejandro on the shoulder and says, "I know that I am going to have to give Diego something when he sobers up but will you need something too?"
"No, doctor, no. I….I must be strong….for Diego. I must keep…..my wits…..about me for him," Don Alejandro says with red eyes.
El doctor had been keeping close watch on Celia all day making sure that she was comfortable and in no pain. When Diego awoke later that night, he reached for Celia but she was not there. Then he realized that he was not in his bedroom. To his horror what had happened that day came rushing at him like a raging bull headed straight for him. He vaulted out of bed but Bernardo stopped him at the door.
"Let me pass Bernardo. You have been my friend and my ally but if you do not let me pass, I may have to…" Diego demands.
"Diego settle down. I will take it from here Bernardo," Don Alejandro asserts.
"Father let me pass, Diego exclaims.
"Diego I need to talk to you," Don Alejandro responds grabbing his son's arm.
"No, I want to see my wife. Where is Celia? Is the doctor still with her? What has happened, father, please tell me!" Diego demands his voice becoming louder and more urgent.
"Diego set down," Don Alejandro says trying to hold his composure.
"I cannot father, I need to see Celia," Diego demands once more.
"Diego, she lost the baby!" Don Alejandro blurts out.
Diego staggered backwards and fell on the bed staring at his father with disbelief.
"What! She lost the baby…..how…..why….is Celia alright?" Diego pleads needing to hear some good news.
The look on Don Alejandro's face caused Diego to let out a yell like an animal being torn apart by wolves.
"Nooooooooooooo! Diego falls to his knees and cries, el doctor is mistaken! No I won't accept it! I cannot live without her….do you understand…..I cannot….I will not…..she is my life…my life!"
"Diego you must pull yourself together for her. She is waiting to see you. Please son," Don Alejandro implores.
Diego discovered that he could not get up from the floor his whole body was numb. Don Alejandro and Bernardo helped Diego to his feet and guided him to his bedroom door.
Diego looked at his father as he wiped away the tears that are gushing from his eyes like an uncontrollable flood. "Mil gracias father," he entreats.
Celia smiled at Diego as he entered the room. This scene playing out before Don Alejandro was too much. He went to his bedroom; shut the door and drops into a chair overcome with grief beyond all imagination. The feeling of guilt consumed his soul. Diego walked over to the bed and held Celia tightly in his arms.
He looked tenderly into her eyes and says, "I will love you forever mi amor."
"And I will love you forever mi vida," Celia whispers and with that she closed her eyes.
"She's gone," El doctor says shaking his head.
"Nooooooooooo...Celia!" Diego yells. He takes a step back and falls….
As the sunlight floods through Diego's bedroom window he awoke abruptly. It took only a few minutes for him to gather his senses about him. He set up and glanced around…..what…..he blinked his eyes to try to see clearer. Where am I…..this is my bedroom….and Celia's he wondered out loud. Diego discovered that he was on the floor.
"Where is everyone…oh… no…..Celia!" he exclaims.
With his head throbbing in pain he slowly pulled himself up by the side of the bed onto his knees. Diego felt something trickling down his face…it was blood. He closed his eyes turned towards the bed….and then gradually opened them. His heart was beating out of his chest. What...he set back down on the floor thinking he must have lost his mind because of his grief. Diego gingerly pulled himself up to the side of the bed once more. There in the bed…his bed…..their bed is Celia and she seemed to be asleep. He cautiously crawled into bed next to her and watched intently as her breasts rise and fall.
"She's breathing…she's alive," he shouts.
Celia opened her eyes.
"Diego mi amor, what is wrong? You are crying," Celia whispers with affection as she lovingly wipes the tears from his cheeks.
The tears are mixed with blood. All he wanted to do now is hold Celia tight and never let her go.
"Please mi vida, Celia stared at her husband in horror. Diego you are shaking – what has upset you so," Celia pleads.
Then Celia notices a deep cut on Diego's forehead and it's bleeding.
"Mi vida you are bleeding….you are hurt, Celia exclaims in alarm. Lay down I will get el doctor," Celia says.
"Celia I do not need…." but before Diego can finish Celia is out the door calling for a servant.
Juan ran up the stairs, "Senora de la Vega, what is wrong."
"It is Senor de la Vega he has been hurt will you send for El doctor," Celia says her voice filled with distress.
"Si, Senora, right away," Juan replies.
Don Alejandro is coming out of his bedroom and heard Celia speaking to the servant.
"Celia, what is wrong? Are you alright? Where is Diego?" Don Alejandro asks.
"He is in here. He is hurt Don Alejandro, please help," Celia implored anxiously for her husband's well-being.
Don Alejandro rushed into Diego's bedroom.
"What is wrong my son?" Don Alejandro questioned checking his son to see if he was alright.
"Father, I am alright, please Celia, it is just a bruise," Diego responds.
Don Alejandro noticed the cut on Diego's forehead which was now beginning to swell.
"Well maybe my son but I think el doctor should check you out," Don Alejandro replies.
After about 30 minutes el doctor knocked on the door. Don Alejandro opened the door to find el doctor and Bernardo with a look of dread and concern on his face.
"Come in el doctor," Don Alejandro says.
"Muchas gracias Don Alejandro. What is the problem," el doctor asks.
"It is my son," Don Alejandro replies.
El doctor walked over to the bed where Diego was laying.
"El doctor will you please tell my family that I am alright," Diego implores.
"That is a nasty cut Don Diego. Let me just take a quick look," el doctor says.
"We will be down stairs," Don Alejandro says taking Celia gently by the arm and closed the door behind them.
"But…," Celia went to say but Don Alejandro patted her on the hand.
"He will be ok, Don Alejandro says. You must not worry it is not good for you or my grandchild."
Don Alejandro escorted Celia down stairs to the patio.
"Come have some breakfast. Bernardo would you please bring Celia something to eat," Don Alejandro asks.
Bernardo nodded but still had a look of worry on his face. Diego tried to dismiss the concern of his father, Celia, and el doctor. But el doctor would not be dissuaded. He cleaned the wound and checked to see if there was any serious injury to Diego's head. Ignoring Diego's protest el doctor gave Diego something for the pain that made him drowsy. Within 5 minutes Diego was sound asleep.
After 45 minutes el doctor joined Celia and Don Alejandro on the patio. He had a smile on his face.
"How is he?" Celia asks with apprehension in her voice.
"He will be alright. I gave him something for the pain. He should sleep for the rest of the day. I suggest at least three days of bed rest," El doctor says. He handed Don Alejandro a bottle of medicine, "give him a spoonful once in the morning and once at night," el doctor instructs.
"Then he will be alright," Celia asks again anxiously.
"Si, he will be fine," el doctor replies.
Celia sighs with relief.
"Mil gracias el doctor," Don Alejandro says and gave el doctor a small bag of gold coins.
"Gracias Don Alejandro," el doctor says and walked out of the gate.
Don Alejandro decided that he needed to keep Celia from worrying which would not be good for her or the baby.
"Diego told me that you had wanted him to take you to El Mercado. I have to go into the pueblo on business today. Why not ride in with me, I would appreciate the company," Don Alejandro says.
"Si, but I think I should stay and watch over Diego," Celia responds.
"Bernardo can watch over Diego. Besides he would be very upset if he knew that he was the cause of any distress that could endanger your health or the baby's," Don Alejandro states.
Celia set there engrossed in thought for about three minutes.
"Si, I would not want to cause mi vida any unhappiness. I will get dressed immediately," Celia replies with a smile.
"Take your time," Don Alejandro responds.
Celia ascended the stairs to her and Diego's bedroom. As she entered the bedroom she saw Diego asleep on the bed. She could not resist. She went over to the bed and caressed Diego's cheek. He moaned opens and then closes his eyes.
"I love you mi vida with all of my heart and soul. I am going to be the perfect wife for you and the best mother of our child," she whispers.
She kissed Diego's lips lovingly. Diego mouths Celia and turned over. Celia smiled and started to undress. After getting dressed she gave her husband another kiss this time with more passion. She then hurried down the steps to Don Alejandro waiting for her on the patio. He was taking the larger carriage and requested that Juan drive him and Celia into the pueblo. Before she left Celia turned to Bernardo.
"Muchas gracias for watching Diego and if he wakes would you please tell him where I have gone," Celia says.
Bernardo nodded in the affirmative. On the way to the pueblo Celia kept very quiet even though Don Alejandro tried to engage her in conversation.
She broke her silence with the question, "do you think that Diego will be alright?"
"Si, Celia do you know what happen?" Don Alejandro led into the conversation with a question of his own.
"No, he said that he had a dream," Celia answers.
Don Alejandro became intrigued by Celia's answer.
"We are here," Don Alejandro says as the pueblo comes into view.
Celia once again was silent.
Don Alejandro asked Juan to assist Celia in her shopping until he concluded his business.
"Si patron," Juan replies.
As Juan followed Celia over the Plaza from vendor to vendor he realized that she was truly a "material connoisseur". She felt the material, checked the texture, color, and asks the origin of the material itself. Celia saw the look of amazement on Juan's face.
"I was taught by my grandmother who sewed all of her children's clothes," Celia responds in answer to Juan's bewildered glances.
At the end of the day Don Alejandro met Celia and Juan back at the carriage. The back seat was so full of packages that Don Alejandro had to sit up front with Juan.
Don Alejandro smiled and says, "did you find everything that you needed."
"Si, muchas gracias Don Alejandro," Celia says contented with her acquisitions.
Juan stopped the carriage at the gate of the hacienda. Don Alejandro helped Celia down from the carriage and asks Juan to take her packages into the Sala. Celia hurried upstairs to check on Diego. She opened the door and went over to the bed. Diego was still asleep.
"Mi vida," Celia whispers and strokes her husband's cheek.
Diego moaned and opened his eyes.
"Mi vida. How are you feeling," she murmurs.
Diego stared at his wife. He did not speak….he could speak…..his voice was frozen. A voice screamed inside of Diego's head…. .it was a dream…..just a dream ….or was it? Diego closed his eyes. Celia cries out in fear. Don Alejandro heard and ran up the stairs followed by Bernardo.
"What's wrong Celia," Don Alejandro exclaims.
"It is….it is….Diego," Celia pointed to the bed through tears.
"Bernardo bring Juan to me at once," Don Alejandro commands after looking at his son.
Bernardo rushed down the stairs and returned quickly with Juan in tow.
"Si patron," Juan says.
"Ride into town and bring el doctor muy rapido," Don Alejandro asserts.
"Si….Si," Juan replies.
"Come, sit down Celia. El doctor will be here soon," Don Alejandro says to Celia leading her gently to a chair.
In about 30 minutes el doctor knocked on Diego's bedroom door. Bernardo opened the door.
"What is wrong Don Alejandro. Has something changed with Diego," el doctor asks.
Before Don Alejandro can answer Celia pointed to the bed and says through tears, "it is my husband."
El doctor went over to the bed and took one look at Diego then ordered everyone out of the room.
"But…but I want to stay," Celia pleads.
"El doctor works better without distractions," Don Alejandro says.
He was also worried but tried to hide it from Celia. Bernardo detected Don Alejandro's apprehension in the sound of his voice. They all went down stairs and let el doctor get to his task. One of the servants a known cuendera by her people Kasha was assisting el doctor. Diego's wound had become infected and oozing a yellowish thick liquid. El doctor stood there scratching his head baffled at how quickly this had occurred and not knowing the source.
"El doctor if you will permit me I think that I can make up a potion to clear up and destroy the culprit behind the infection," Kasha states.
"Do you know the cause of the infection," el doctor questions.
"Si, I have seen this same type of occurrence in some of the people who come to me for help," Kasha answers.
"I would appreciate any help that you may give," el doctor replies.
"Muchas gracias, I must go to my cabin to get the ingredients. I will return as soon as I can. You must keep him quiet until I return," Kasha remarks.
"Si," el doctor responds.
Kasha rode to her little cabin in the mountains. As she entered her cabin she was met by her pet owl named Buho. The cabin walls were lined with different herbs, plants, fruits, and oils. I need some of this and some of that and oh I cannot forget my favorite black pot - Kasha says to herself.
After she had her saddle bags full and her favorite pot securely fastened to her saddle she spurs her horse into a full gallop toward the de la Vega hacienda. Meanwhile el doctor paced back and forth impatiently waiting for Kasha to return hoping that she was true to her word when she said that she could help Diego. The door opened and Kasha stepped in arms full and a small black pot hung over her shoulder. She gave el doctor the little black pot and told him to fill it with water and hang it over the fire in the fireplace. She had begun unpacking all of the herbs, oils, flour, and a bottle of apple vinegar. The doctor came down the stairs and entered the Sala. Don Alejandro met him at the door followed by Celia and Bernardo all needing to hear some good news.
"How is he," Don Alejandro questions with concern.
"Kasha is going to try a potion that she thinks will help him but I need some water. Where is your well," El doctor asks.
"Bernardo will get the water for you," Don Alejandro answers.
He gestured to Bernardo to get the water and give el doctor any other assistance he needed. Bernardo nodded.
"Is Diego conscious? Is he in pain," Celia queries anxiously.
"No," el doctor answers.
"I want to see him….I have to see him," Celia pleads.
"Celia el doctor has to be left alone so that he can do his work," Don Alejandro states.
"I will let you all see him when Kasha finishes," el doctor replies.
Bernardo returned with the little black pot full of water.
"Muchas gracias," el doctor says.
Don Alejandro gestured to Bernardo that el doctor thanks him for the water. Bernardo nodded. Everyone watched el doctor ascend the stairs and each one gave him their best wishes and prayers. When el doctor walked in the door Kasha looks up.
"Oh there you are," Kasha says.
El doctor saw that Kasha had chopped up several of what appeared to be leaves and twigs. She placed them in a clay bowl.
Kasha sees el doctor's confused look and says," I am preparing a poultice to draw the poison from his wound that is causing the infection."
"You said that you know what caused the infection," el doctor inquires.
"Si," Kasha replies.
Kasha grinded up burdock roots, plantain, and nettle. She wets the ground up herbs with apple vinegar and adds flour to hold the mixture together. She mashed gilead buds to make an oil to apply to Diego's wound before applying the poultice. When the water in the little black pot starts to boil she places a clean white cloth over the top to warm. After about 3 minutes she removed the cloth and spreads the mixture on the warmed cloth. She folds the cloth lengthwise.
"El doctor could you ask Bernardo and Don Alejandro to come up stairs? We are going to need their help," Kasha requests.
"Si," el doctor replies and dashed down the stairs to the Sala. "Kasha needs help. She has asked for you Don Alejandro and your servant Bernardo."
Don Alejandro went to ask Celia to stay but the look she gave him made him rethink his decision.
"Come on," Don Alejandro smiled and held out his hand to her.
"Muchas gracias," Celia grinned.
Everyone ascended the stairs and into Diego's room.
"I need for Don Alejandro to hold his arms and Bernardo to hold his legs," Kasha orders.
Kasha tapped Bernardo on the shoulder and gestured for him to hold Diego's legs believing that he could not hear. Bernardo nodded in agreement.
"But what…" Don Alejandro goes to ask.
"As I apply the poultice it will burn and cause a painful pulling sensation. You must hold him down so that the poultice does not slip off," Kasha states.
"Si," Don Alejandro responds.
Celia had a look of distress for the well-being of her husband but remained silent. Kasha first gently oils Diego's forehead and wound with the gilead bud oil. Next she lays the cloth with the poultice on Diego's wound. He commenced to groan, twist, turn, and tried to pull it off of his head but everyone restrained him.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh…nooooooo." Diego yelled aloud.
"Keep holding him. The poultice must stay on the wound for at least 10 minutes. It has done its job when the mixture turns a dark blackish purple," Kasha remarks.
Five minutes into the treatment Diego begun to calm down and everyone eased up on their hold. It seemed like hours before Kasha lifted the cloth and to everyone's amazement the poultice had turned a dark blackish purple.
"Now you can let him go," Kasha comments.
Celia set down on the bed and cradled her husband's head in her arms. Diego was still drowsy so el doctor gave him something to make him sleep. Celia gazed at Kasha with tear stained cheeks and smiled. Kasha returned her smile.
"What happens next," el doctor asks.
"Tomorrow I will make a tea for Diego to drink that will clean the rest of the poison from his blood," Kasha answers.
Everyone was relieved that Diego was going to be alright.
"Kasha you said that you know what caused the infection," el doctor inquires.
Everyone stared at Kasha eagerly awaiting her answer.
"Diego's infection is caused by a bug bite. I have treated quite a number of my people for the same kind of infection. With the bedroom door opening and closing the bug must have slipped in and with Diego's open wound it was easy."
Everyone was aghast at the simple reason for Diego's dire situation.
"Then he will recover completely," Don Alejandro implores.
"Si, he will be as good as new. But he needs to have three days of bed rest and take it easy for a while," Kasha remarks.
"He will sleep for the rest of the night," el doctor comments.
Don Alejandro gave el doctor another bag of gold coins and Kasha one bag of gold coins.
"You two have saved my son's life. I cannot thank you both enough," Don Alejandro says.
"My joy is healing Don Alejandro, no thanks needed," Kasha replies as she hands the bag of gold coins back to Don Alejandro.
"All of the credit goes to Kasha," el doctor admits as he hands his bag of gold coins back to Don Alejandro also.
Celia hugs Kasha and says, "Mil gracias for mi esposo's life."
Kasha gathered up all the herbs, oils, and put them in her saddle bags. Her favorite black pot she left hanging over the fireplace to use when she returned the next day. Don Alejandro walked both Kasha and el doctor to the gate. Bernardo helped Kasha to take her saddle bags down to her horse.
"Buenos noches Don Alejandro," Kasha rejoins.
"Buenos noches Kasha," Don Alejandro replies.
"I will say Buenos noches too," el doctor says.
"Buenos noches el doctor," Don Alejandro answers.
Then he returned upstairs to Diego's room accompanied by Bernardo. Celia was busy tending to her husband. She wiped the excess oil from his face, puffs the pillows behind his head, and straightens the sheet and quilt covering him.
"How is he," Don Alejandro asks staring at his son.
Don Alejandro stood there thinking of when Diego was a small child. On his wife's deathbed he promised that he would always take care and look after Diego. It was hard dealing with his wife's death and raising a rambunctious young boy such as Diego at the same time. Diego growing up was a very healthy child. The only time that he was sick he caught the measles which he recovered from quickly. Don Alejandro walked over to the bed and squeezed Diego's hand.
"Buenos noches mi hijo," Don Alejandro's voice breaking with his effort to hold back tears.
"Buenos noches Don Alejandro. I will take good care of him," Celia responds as she grasped her father-in-law's hand.
"If you need anything…..anything," Don Alejandro remarks.
"Si, muchas gracias," Celia replies with a smile.
Don Alejandro let go of Diego's hand and moved toward the door. He waved to Celia and shut the door quietly. He went to his room and collapsed in a chair.
The next morning Celia awoke to a loud boom of thunder, blustering winds, and the sound of drenching rain outside her window. She looked over at Diego who was sleeping soundly. His lips were slightly parted and he lay on his side facing her. Celia gets up and goes to the window. Dark clouds surrounded by little patches of blue hang in the sky. All at once a bright ear-piercing crack of lightning caused her to jump back from the window bumping the night mesa knocking the candle holder to the floor.
"Mi amor…..what…," Diego sits up in bed still drowsy and not fully at himself."
"Mi vida, I did not intend to wake you from your sleep. How are you feeling," Celia asks as she sets the candle holder back on the night mesa.
Diego held out his arms. Celia got back in bed and lays her head on his chest. It was very comforting to hear the steady beat of her husband's heart. Celia glanced up at Diego his eyes were closed but she could tell that he was not asleep.
"It is raining outside. Do you remember, we first met on a rainy dark night," Celia whispers.
"Si," Diego responds.
"How are you feeling mi vida," Celia questions.
"Just a little headache. I am not too clear on what happened since I woke up yesterday morning," Diego rejoins.
"We will talk about it later. I will go down and bring you some breakfast," Celia replies.
"No need mi amor, I will go down for breakfast," Diego states.
"But mi vida, you….." Celia started to say but looking in her husband's eyes she saw that protesting was in vain.
"Celia I am not an invalid. Besides staying in bed saps your strength not help to increase it. Please bring me my robe, mi amor" Diego asks.
Celia did as her husband requested. Not wanting to upset him in his weak condition. She helped Diego to stand and put on his robe.
"Forgive mi amor for being short with you. I do not handle being helpless well. From the time I was a child I have always been healthy," Diego replies apologetically to his wife.
Meanwhile Bernardo is busy setting the table for breakfast in the Sala. Don Alejandro walked in. His eyes were red from a very sleepless night.
"Buenos Dias Bernardo," Don Alejandro says.
Bernardo nodded and smiled back. Just as Don Alejandro was about to ask Bernardo to go and check on Diego when the door opened and Diego and Celia came in. Don Alejandro was surprised yet disconcerted. Bernardo aided Diego to a chair.
"Mil gracias mi amigo," Diego responds with a look of kindness to his friend.
"Diego my son, you should have stayed in bed. Bernardo could assist you back to bed and bring you and Celia breakfast," Don Alejandro remarked.
"Father Celia has already made that suggestion. I do not wish to stay in bed. I feel perfectly strong enough to have breakfast here at the mesa not in bed," Diego asserts.
"Very well, but after breakfast Bernardo will help you back to bed, no arguments," Don Alejandro states with a fatherly look of authority at his son.
"Si," Diego responds reading the look in his father's eyes, one he had seen numerous times as a child.
Someone knocked on the door. Bernardo walked over and opened the door. It was Kasha soaking wet from the rain. Don Alejandro rose from his chair and greeted her.
"Come in, come in Kasha. Will you have some coffee," Don Alejandro says as he gestured to Bernardo to bring another cup.
"Si, Don Alejandro, muchas gracias," Kasha replies.
"I am surprised to see you out in this weather," Don Alejandro asks.
"Healing knows no limits. I am here to finish my healing of your son. How are you feeling Diego. I am amazed to see you out of the bed. Any discomforts or headache," Kasha inquires.
"Si, just a headache," Diego admits.
"How is your appetite? I see that you have not touched your breakfast," Kasha states.
"I am not very hungry but my appetite should return before the day is done," Diego admits.
"I am going to make a tea that I want you to drink. It will clean the rest of the poison from your blood as well as give you an appetite," Kasha replies.
"Si muy bien," Diego responds with a smile of gratitude directed at Kasha.
"I will see you in your bedroom Don Diego. I have mashed up the ingredients before I came but I need to heat the water for the tea. I will get some water from the well," Kasha says as she heads outside to get water.
"I will have Juan to get the water it is still raining pretty heavy. You have yet to dry off completely," Don Alejandro comments.
"Muchas gracias, Don Alejandro," Kasha replies as she takes the back stairs to Diego's bedroom because of the rain.
Don Alejandro gestured for Bernardo to instruct Juan to get some water from the well for Kasha. Bernardo nodded in the affirmative and leaves the room. Don Alejandro and Celia watch as Diego picks at his food. He noticed and put a fork full of eggs in his mouth and struggled to chew and swallow. Don Alejandro motioned to Celia with his eyes.
"Mi vida let's go back upstairs maybe Kasha has the tea ready," Celia questions.
"Muy bien mi amor," Diego agreed aware of the signal that his father gave to Celia but knew that they both are concerned for his welfare.
"I will accompany you and Celia," Don Alejandro states as he grasped his son by the arm.
"Muchas gracias father," Diego grabbed his father's hand and squeezed it.
Diego, Celia, and Don Alejandro took the back stairs to his bedroom. As they reached the top of the stairs a sweet aroma filled their nostrils. Diego was hoping that the taste of the tea was as delectable as the smell. As a child the medicines that he was given were always bitter with no taste. As an adult he still remembered and did not relish reliving that experience. As they entered the bedroom Kasha was busy stirring in her favorite black pot what they assumed had to be the ingredients for the tea. Don Alejandro and Celia helped Diego back into bed. This time they got no protest because Diego felt weak and tired but did not want Celia or his father to know.
"Take this Don Diego, Kasha says as she raises a ladle up to Diego's mouth. You must give him this three times a day for five days. It will clean the rest of the poison from his blood and help him to regain his strength," Kasha instructed Don Alejandro.
"Si, muchas gracias. Celia and I will take good care of him," Don Alejandro says.
"Si," Celia rejoins.
Diego closed his eyes as he swallowed the concoction in the ladle given to him by Kasha. To his surprise it had a very pleasant taste.
"Muchas gracias Kasha. My father told me that you saved my life," Diego states.
"Healing is its own reward Don Diego. Now I must get back to my regular duties," Kasha admits.
She went over to the fireplace and removed her favorite black pot.
"After I wash this Don Alejandro I will take on my duties that Consuela has so graciously been performing for me since Don Diego became ill," Kasha declares.
"I will see you tomorrow Kasha. Bernardo will help you carry you things to your horse," Don Alejandro responds looking at Kasha.
"But….very well, Kasha relented. I have put the tea in this bottle, make sure that you measure it carefully each time. Muchas gracias Don Alejandro."
"Mil gracias to you," Don Alejandro replies.
After Kasha and Bernardo left, Don Alejandro walked over to the bed to check on his son. Diego glanced up at his father with glistening eyes. Don Alejandro gazed down at his son and emotion overcame him. He hugged Diego tightly.
"Buenos dias mi hijo," Don Alejandro says his voice breaking with the tears that he is trying to hold back.
"Buenos noches father," Diego responds with a boyish grin.
Even so Diego was still haunted by his dream. He had tried to figure out and understand the meaning…a warning or fear that occupied his subconscious.