So accepting a mother cannot be found. Her love is without conditions or boundaries and he knows this and it comforts him. He walks out of the apartment and finds the friends that show him to sniff glue that led to the pills that led coke that led to the heroin which led to the AIDS, but no matter for tomorrow he is better. Tomorrow he is in Puerto Rico with his mother in his teens being loved by his family. Not quite understanding why his sexual preferences are different from his brother.
Life is carefree now.
Mami cooks rice soup and Dad still loves him and all is well tonight. And the island is so beautiful in November when he turns eight. The mountains, the coqui chirping at night, mami's garden, his abuelita all surround him in the evening air. He plays with his sister's dolls and no one even cares to notice. The sun has made his skin golden olive and he looks so healthy.