Page 29 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

I took a walk down to a residential area. The colorful buildings and local markets made the place so inviting and stunning. I didn’t know how the system worked here, but I needed a place to stay. The first three people I stopped didn’t speak English, and the last person got frustrated when I tried to use Google Translate.

I stopped and got ice cream because it was scorching hot outside, and my legs were throbbing from walking around for hours. I stopped at a flower shop. The coolness in the room made me linger longer, pretending to be interested in the flowers.

“Hi. Can I help you with anything?” I heard behind me.

I turned around to look at the pretty girl who looked fifteen, smiling at me. She reminded me of Belvina with the curly hair and dimples.

Wait, she speaks English?

“You understand English?” I asked, feeling relieved.

“Yes. Do you need help with anything?”

“I’m looking for a place to rent, but it’s so difficult. I really need to find a place soon, or I will be kicked out of my hotel room.”

“Mama,” she called.

An older woman appeared later with an apron around her and her hands covered in dirt. I smiled at her as she stopped in front of us with a gardening tool in her hand. I watched as the girl spoke to her in Spanish.

The woman turned to me. “What is your name?”

“Chloe.”

“Are you in trouble?”

“Kinda. It’s a long story.”

The girl left us alone when a customer walked in. Her mother directed me to a seat next to the counter. She grabbed another seat and came to sit beside me.

“Are you in some sort of trouble with the law?” she asked softly.

“No, it’s not that. I have been staying at a hotel, and I can’t afford it anymore, so I’m looking for a place I can rent for the time being,” I explained.

“Hmm.” She nodded, observing me closely. “American?”

“Yeah.” I smiled sheepishly.

“I used to live in Texas with my husband before we got deported,” she said.

“Oh, I’m so sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was a long time ago.” She laughed. “So, what brings you to Cuba?”

“Vacation,” I replied.

“We have an empty room at my place. I will have my daughter clean it up for you if you are interested, but it might not be what you’re used to. It’s small, and the door is bad, but it has a balcony.”

“I will take it,” I said quickly. “How soon can I move in?”

“Tomorrow is fine.”

“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“You’re welcome. I have to get back to work. My number is on the chalkboard outside,” she said and stood up.

“Um, can I ask for another favor?” I asked reluctantly.

She stopped and gave me a look to speak up.

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