I'm reviewing the heart machine specifications when my phone rings.
It's Teodoro.
I answer immediately. Teodoro doesn't call often, and when he does, it's usually important.
"Lolo," I say warmly. "How are you?"
"I'm good, mijo," Teodoro says. His voice sounds thoughtful. "I wanted to talk to you about something. Do you have time?"
"For you? Always," I say.
"The heart machine project," Teodoro says. "I know about it. Austin told me."
I feel something shift in my chest. Of course Austin told him. Austin has always understood how important this is.
"Yes," I say quietly. "It's something I've been developing. Something important to me."
"I know why it's important," Teodoro says softly. "It's for Elena. For your mother."
I don't respond immediately. My mother is not something I talk about easily. But Teodoro knows. He's always known.
"It's a good project," Teodoro continues. "It could help a lot of people. People who can't afford proper cardiac care. People like Elena was."
