John

- John, tell us about dad.

- Well you know he's making himself comfortable over there. Don't worry about him.

- You know he forgot a lot of his stuff, discs, clothing...

- Oh, ok I'll bring it to him next time I visit.

- He didn't ask for it? I'm surprised.

- No he didn't. When did he leave anyway?

- Just a few days ago. Right after you left on your vacation. By the way, how was the trip? You didn't tell us who you went with...

- Oh, that's a secret. Trust me it's not a big deal.

- Come on. Tell us who's the lucky lady?

- That's not gonna come up any time soon. Don't beat it.

- Ok, ok. We are not gonna insist. Did you have a good time?

- Oh yea it was pretty good, Anyway where is dad's stuff?

- Oh we haven't packed it up yet.

- You haven't packed it up yet? Ok let's do it.

- Now?

- Now! Why? It's only 8 o'clock and I've got no taste for studying right now. At least today. I'm just racing, you know, right after coming from vacation to hear that dad is gone, then to go and visit him. You know, I'm still racing, let's just do something to burn that up.

- Ok I see, well then, let's just do it. Mary, are you gonna help us?

- Sure.

- Ok let's go to his room...

- These are his discs?...Let's see we have Charlie Parker, Al Di Meola, John Coltrane...

- Yea don't mess with them they are his precious stuff. Just put them in the box in here with his clothes. You are gonna go there any time soon?

- Yea next week.

- Are you taking me there with you Johnny?

- No, no, you will go with mom some other time.

- I'm not going there.

- But you have to, mom. Sooner or later you have to visit him. You know he's not coming back. At least in the foreseeable future.

- I know that. But I don't think he wants me there.

- How do you know that?

- Otherwise why did he have to leave?

- That's a different matter. I don't know that myself. But I don't think he would mind seeing you once in a while.

- Well, I don't know about that. What I know is that he should stay with his family and kids and not go around with these bitches.

- I think you are exaggerating mom. I don't think dad is going around with any of these...what you call them.

- Sorry I got overcarried.

- Anyway, he's got his own place and you should go see him some time. Maybe he will tell you why he left.

- I don't think that will be the case but I will. Do you see anything under his bed Mary?

- No mom. There's nothing in here.

- Ok let's go then. Put everything you have in your hands in here and let's close up the box, take it downstairs. Where did you go again?

- Fort Lauderdale.

- That sounds good.

- It's getting too crowded anyhow but it's still beautiful. Miami is over flowing you know. FtL is picking up the pieces. All the rich up and coming Mexicans, I mean Cubans, are moving to FtL. I always confuse Mexicans with Cubans.

- They are latin anyhow.

- Cubans have that african element in them although they boast of their European roots. But Mexicans are more earthly people, what do you think mom, they look more like they descend from the Mayas.

- I don't know Johnny you know I'm not in good terms with history.

- Yea I know me neither. But you can see the difference in their facial characteristics. I mean between the white, or let's say whitish, Cubans and the Mexicans. Anyhow! Even though they look different I always confuse them in my speech when referring to one or another.

- They are both latin I told you!

- Yea that must be the reason...So the rich Cubans are moving up to FtL and the new ones the newcomers are taking up the space in Miami.

- I see.

- So we've got any videos to watch tonight?

- No, tomorrow is a school day, last one of the week actually. Your sister and I got to wake up early. Even if we did I wouldn't recommend it. It's 9 o'clock already. But you can stay downstairs at the TV and watch if you like.

- Ok I'll do that Goodnight then.

- Did you have anything to eat?

- No. Have we got anything?

- Just look in the kitchen and you will find it.

- OK.

- Goodnight. Take this thing down with you.

- See you tomorrow. Goodnight.